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Damien Mama, interim Humanitarian Coordinator in Congo, arrive in the provincial capital of Bunia on Sunday, where he will assess response efforts and strengthen coordination in support of the Government-led campaign to end this latest deadly epidemic.
Increased caseload
The fast-spreading outbreak – which has also spread to neighboring Uganda – is caused by a rare form of Bundibugyo which has no approved treatment or vaccine, although three vaccine candidates are in development.
On Saturday, Congolese health authorities reported 27 new confirmed casesbringing the total to 515 in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, with 91 deaths.
About 95 percent of all cases occurred in Ituri and 12 people have recovered to date.
Meanwhile, Uganda has reported 19 confirmed casesincluding two deaths, as well as one probable case that has died.
A significant challenge
In New York, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said Ebola The response in Congo is focused on case management, operation of treatment centers, and delivery of medicines and critical supplies, as well as community engagement, risk communication, and strengthening surveillance.
But he noted that “Emergency response efforts still face major challenges, including gaps in contact tracing, limited treatment capacity, and shortages of essential medicines,” while “increasing laboratory capacity is also important to ensure timely detection and confirmation of cases.”
This health crisis occurs amidst an already dire humanitarian situation in Congo, where nearly 15 million people across the country require humanitarian assistance.
In addition, more than half of the refugees, namely 3.4 million people, live in areas affected by the outbreak, complicating emergency response efforts.
Continental response plan
The outbreak was officially declared on May 15 by Congolese authorities and subsequently classified by the UN World Health Organization (WHO) as a public health emergency of international concern – but not a pandemic threat.
Symptoms include sudden high fever, headache, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea.
This marks the 17th time Congo has fought Ebola and the crisis has sparked a coordinated continental response.
Last week, WHO together with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and partners launched this program plans to raise $518 million to support African countries in preparing, detecting and responding quickly to this outbreak.
Aid to Zambia
WHO has also handed over critical Ebola response equipment and supplies to authorities in Zambia, including personal protective equipment (PPE), laboratory reagents, infection prevention and control materials, and specimen transportation supplies.
“While Zambia has not recorded a single case of Ebola, its proximity to affected countries and high levels of cross-border movement place it at potential risk,” the agency said. said.
WHO continues to emphasize the importance of preparedness as the first line of defense against Ebola, and also highlights the critical role of community engagement and timely reporting of symptoms to save lives.
