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Ahead of his arrival, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus appeal to armed groups to declare a ceasefire so that health workers can reach the community and stop the spread of the disease.
Since May 15, UN agencies have been supporting Congo and neighboring Uganda to contain the outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Ebola virus, for which there is no treatment.
On Wednesdaythere are more than 900 suspected cases, 105 confirmed cases, and 10 confirmed deaths in Congo, while Uganda reported seven confirmed cases and one death.
‘We are committed’
In his message to the Congolese people, especially those in Ituri province – the center of the crisis – Tedros underlined WHOsolidarity.
“We are working under the leadership of the Congolese Government, together with all relevant partners, united in one goal: to stop this outbreak and protect your communities,” he wrote.
“No one works alone. No one works at cross-purposes. We are coordinated, we are committed, and we are here.”
Similar challenges
This is marking This is the 17th time Congo has faced Ebola since the virus was first discovered in 1976. The largest outbreak – spread across the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri – occurred in 2018 to 2020.
“Ebola is nothing new to me personally,” said Tedros, as during the epidemic he made 14 visits to North Kivu, the epicenter of the outbreak – “one of the most complex in history”.
This comes amid armed conflict that is triggering displacement and disrupting supply lines, with “health workers constantly under threat”. At the same time, “distrust deepened,” he recalls.
Heavy burden on Ituri
Tedros noted that similar challenges are no different today in Ituri, where around 90 percent of cases have been reported, with smaller numbers in the Kivus. He underscored the burden borne by the people of the province.
“You’ve endured a lot: malaria, hunger, insecurity, and the daily struggle to keep your family safe. And now Ebola,” he said, “It’s not fair, and I’m not going to pretend otherwise.”
He highlighted the important role of young people, urging them to talk to their friends and family and share what they know about Ebola in an effort to “help dispel the fear and silence that allows this virus to spread.”
UNICEF water and sanitation experts explain Ebola prevention measures to students at a primary school in Bunia, Ituri, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Support for health workers
Tedros also delivered a message to health workers in Ituri, who are “the backbone of this response.” WHO supports them and is working to get them the support they need.
He acknowledged regional instability, where “conflict and displacement make things more difficultincluding reaching people who need care and keeping health workers safe.”
Speaking candidly, Tedros said “this is one of our greatest challenges. We cannot do this work if those who are trying to help cannot do so or are in danger,” adding that WHO was working with all relevant partners to reach the community.
Request for ceasefire
“That is why today I am making a direct appeal to all the conflicting parties in this region: please declare a ceasefire. Even for a moment. Even enough to let health workers through,” he said.
“People are dying of Ebola when they don’t have to. Children are sick. Families are suffering. No cause, no conflict, no grievance is worthy of condemning innocent people to death for a preventable disease.”
He stressed that “a ceasefire, even a temporary one, will save lives. I urge you, I beg you: give us space to help the people who need it most.”
Anger and disbelief
Tedros also addressed the issue of anger and distrust in some communities, and said he understood the reasons.
“Trust must be earned, it cannot be assumed,” he said. “We don’t always do things right. But I promise you, we are here to learn as much as we are here to help.”
He explained that most previous Ebola outbreaks in Congo were caused by the Zaire strain of the virus, which is treatable.
‘There are many things we can do together’
Although there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, “there are many things we can do together to prevent the spread of this virus and save lives,” he stressed.
“Early supportive care at our treatment centers can make a real difference,” he said. “Arriving early can make the difference between life and death. And everything we do, we will do with you.”
Tedros noted that the WHO team was already on the ground and would be there as long as necessary.
“And when this outbreak is over, we won’t just disappear,” he said. “We will not forget you. We will stay, and we will continue to work with you to build a health system that protects every person in every community.”
