The UN mobilizes emergency support as Ebola cases spread in Congo, Uganda

The UN has intensified efforts to combat the worsening Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, deploying emergency medical supplies, transport support and humanitarian aid to affected communities.

Speaking at a press conference in New York on Thursday, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said several UN agencies and peacekeeping teams were working with Congolese authorities to contain the rapidly spreading disease and address the growing humanitarian crisis.

“Our humanitarian and peacekeeping colleagues continue to support the government’s efforts to address the rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak and deteriorating humanitarian situation.

“Turi Province remains the epicenter of the outbreak with the most affected areas in the towns of Rwampara, Mongbwalu and Bunia.

“These cities may be unfamiliar to you, but it is important to remember that they are densely populated.

“The (MONUSCO) peacekeeping mission provided critical logistical assistance to enable the rapid delivery of medical supplies and equipment to Bunia, where emergency response efforts were strengthened,” Dujarric said.

According to him, the UN peacekeeping mission has released four light passenger vehicles to assist emergency response teams operating in Ituri province.

He added that MONUSCO had also deployed a helicopter to support flights to affected communities whenever necessary, while two ambulances and two armored vehicles were transported from Goma to Bunia to enhance medical evacuation and outreach operations in volatile locations.

“This material will be provided to our colleagues at the World Health Organization (WHO).

“There is also increasing concern regarding the spread of Ebola to North Kivu province, with cases now confirmed in Goma, Butembo and Katwa.

“Our colleagues noted that this is an urban area with a history of Ebola transmission,” he said.

The UN spokesperson further explained that health authorities and humanitarian partners are expanding disease surveillance and introducing screening procedures at entry points in North Kivu to limit further transmission.

“In North Kivu, partners are strengthening surveillance, introducing screening at entry points and adapting operations, including remote coordination where necessary.

“To strengthen the mobility of health teams carrying out contact tracing and rapid response, MONUSCO also sent motorbikes from Goma and Beni, while an additional one is being serviced in Bunia to be handed over to WHO,” he added.

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Dujarric also revealed that local officials had confirmed other Ebola infections in South Kivu, specifically in the city of Bukavu.

Reports indicate that the infected person is from Tshopo province, which borders Ituri.

“As we have said before, but it is worth repeating, this outbreak is occurring in a context characterized by displacement, insecurity, high population mobility, and significant access barriers for humanitarian agencies and peacekeeping forces.

“All our colleagues in the field, be it the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Peacekeeping, WHO, the World Food Program (WFP), the UN child rights agency (UNICEF) and many others will continue to work and do their best to support the community,” he said.

The World Food Program is currently supporting the operation by transporting aid personnel, medical supplies and humanitarian cargo to hard-to-access communities, while providing food and nutritional support to patients, survivors and affected households.

The WFP revealed that it needs more than $214 million for operations across Congo, including more than $10 million specifically dedicated to the Ebola emergency response.

Meanwhile, UNICEF warns that children remain the most vulnerable victims of the outbreak due to disruption of social services, loss of caregivers, and increased emotional and protective risks.

The agency said children are “particularly vulnerable to the impacts of the Ebola outbreak, including disruption of essential services, loss of parents and caregivers, stigma, psychosocial distress, and increased risk of protection.”

UNICEF stated that it had mobilized nearly 50 tonnes of emergency supplies, including soap, disinfectants, personal protective equipment, water purification tablets and water storage tanks.

The agency also confirmed that an Emergency Response team was heading to Bunia to provide technical support in areas such as community engagement and public health communications.

Although more than 2,000 public health workers are currently active in the affected areas, officials warn that more manpower and resources are urgently needed, especially in remote communities.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has now experienced 17 Ebola outbreaks since the deadly virus was first identified five decades ago.

Health authorities confirmed that the current outbreak is caused by a rare strain of the Bundibugyo virus, and there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment.

So far, the outbreak has resulted in 139 deaths and around 600 suspected infections in Congo, while neighboring Uganda has recorded two confirmed cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern, although the organization clarified that the situation does not yet amount to a global pandemic emergency.