The response to Ebola in eastern Congo must include food aid, says WFP

That’s the message from the World Food Program (WFP), which calls for greater international support for communities, especially starving people in remote areas far from life-saving opportunities Ebola care center.

“Ebola is a health crisis, there is no doubt,” David Stevenson, WFP Director for Congo, recently told UN News.

“But at the same time, because Ebola is in eastern Congo and the region is tragically impacted by conflict, food insecurity, displacement, etc. a comprehensive approach needs to be taken.”

On the verge of starvation

Eastern Congo has long been a volatile region in a country that has battled Ebola 17 times since the virus was first discovered some 50 years ago.

WFP has been on the front line since the outbreak was declared on 15 May. Caused by the rare Bundibugyo species fastest ever recordedwith more than 5,500 cases and 2,642 deaths in the first 100 days alone.

Mr Stevenson has visited Ituri province, the epicenter of the crisis, and has seen how years of fighting, displacement and lack of access to sufficient food have impacted local communities.

“This is a place where there are more than 500,000 people in IPC 4 who are experiencing hunger and food insecurity,” he said, referring to the five-phase classification scale used by humanitarian organizations (Check us outUN News explanation of the evidence-based IPC index Here).

“This number is one level less than the death rate from starvation.”

Hunger hampers response to Ebola

The humanitarian veteran stressed that food aid is critical because when people are hungry, they cannot prioritize other challenges, including Ebola.

“If you can’t feed your family, it’s quite difficult to adhere to the health protocols that are so necessary right nowhe said.

“People are changing their behavior, becoming more compliant with what is required in the response to Ebola, without the basic means to feed themselves, this is not going to work.”

As the epidemic moves faster than the response, underlying challenges must be considered “and that means food assistance must become an integral part of a community’s approach.”

‘Stunned’ by inaction

For Stevenson, the main challenges are building more Ebola treatment centers and securing more resources for food aid – and getting them “to very remote rural areas.”

Despite logistical obstacles, including “terrible” roads that are often impassable, “we always find a way to deliver,” he stressed, but lamented international indifference.

The response to Ebola in Congo is one of the WFP’s main operations – along with Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, Sudan and South Sudan – and he did not underscore the need for increased financial support.

“I am surprised that we have not received a response from the international community directly supporting the necessary food assistance so that collectively we can end Ebola,” he said.

“Given the level of challenge that is out there, I am obliged to be clear about the appeal, and we are asking for support now.”

Good nutrition and medical care

Mr. Stevenson has seen firsthand how medical care combined with adequate nutrition can save lives amidst this outbreak.

During a recent visit to an Ebola treatment center, he saw a woman who “had an incredible smile.”

The head of the treatment center explained that he had recovered from Ebola and was now on his way home.

Most never receive treatment

“The majority of people affected by Ebola never reach a treatment center, which is why we need to help build more treatment centershe explained.

“Clearly, this woman who has recovered from Ebola is recovering not only because of the medical care she received, but also because of good nutrition, because of dietary support, which is collectively important for affected individuals,” he added.

“But the same logic applies to the whole province, to the whole region affected by Ebola – that we have to have a comprehensive program including food aid, and I think that’s now better recognized and needs to be better resourced.”