Ebola: UN officials condemn murder of nurse in DR Congo

The nurse was killed by protesters in Bafwasende, a rural town in Tshopo province, on Saturday while responding to a protest. Ebola warning.

A health worker was also seriously injured in the attack and remains hospitalized.

Call for an investigation

Julien Harneis, Senior Coordinator of the UN Ebola Response, issued a statement express condolences to the family and fellow nurses.

“I strongly condemn this attack and call for a thorough investigation,” he said. “I urge the public to protect health workers and enable them to do their jobs safely.”

That WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his condolences via a post on social media. He also prayed that the injured health worker would recover quickly and fully recover.

“Everyone who works to protect society from this deadly disease must be able to work with dignity and safety,” he said write on X. “Health services must always be protected.”

Historic outbreak

This deadly incident occurred amid ongoing efforts to stem the spread of the Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus for which there is currently no approved vaccine.

More than 9,760 cases and around 4,727 deaths have been recorded in Congo since the outbreak was declared on May 15, according to recent WHO figures.

This outbreak is the deadliest in the country’s history. The disease was first reported in the restive eastern region and has now reached eight provinces: Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Sud Ubangi, Tshopo and Nord-Ubangi.

Uganda also faced a smaller Ebola outbreak and was declared defeated in August, while France, Kenya and Nigeria have reported cases.

‘Extraordinary achievement’ in Nigeria

Nigeria confirmed its first case last week – a woman who traveled from Uganda.

She and a contact, who was her husband, were medically evacuated to Switzerland on Monday morning, WHO said, explaining that both were Swiss citizens and the patient was clinically stable.

“The Nigerian medical team managed to get him through the acute phase of his illness and stabilize his condition,” wrote WHO regional director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, in X.

‘Vigilance remains essential’

He congratulated the Nigerian Government, health workers, doctors, emergency responders and all parties involved in this response.

“This is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to what Africa can achieve if we work together,” he said.

Dr. Janabi noted that the evacuation means Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases, “however, vigilance remains important.”

Nigeria will continue to monitor the 52 contacts, he said, while Switzerland will be responsible for the patient’s continued care and her husband’s follow-up.