World must move faster in response to Ebola in Congo: UN aid chief

Fletcher warned that although Ituri province remains the epicenter of the outbreak, the virus is spreading to other provinces due to conflict and displacement.

Since the DRC declared Ebola outbreak on May 15, The Bundibugyo species has infected more than 1,700 people and killed 600 in Congo. In neighboring Uganda, authorities have confirmed 20 cases.

The impact of this outbreak is: exacerbated by ongoing conflict, hunger, displacement, weak basic services and limited health services in Congo, Fletcher said, making this one of the most complex humanitarian crises

“This is more than just a public health emergencyhe said.

International response

In response to this outbreak, the UN released to $60 million in May to accelerate the response in Congo, help prepare neighboring countries for the possible spread of the disease, and work with local communities to build confidence in the public health response.

The World Health Organization has been working with the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo, known by its French acronym MONUSCOto supplying medical equipment to affected areas and build isolation and treatment units.

The UN Inter-Agency Standing Committee – made up of the leaders of the world’s largest aid organizations – has activated Systems Scale-Up to control the disease in Congo, and the UN has deployed Senior Ebola Coordinator Julien Harneis to support efforts to contain the disease.

“We know how to stop Ebola and we are implementing our strategyhe said.

Call to action

Despite these efforts, closures and travel restrictions caused by conflict disrupt humanitarian operations, health services, and essential trade without preventing the spread of the disease.

Therefore, all parties must work together for that ensure safe and sustainable access for humanitarian and health workers, emergency response supplies and equipmentsaid Mr. Fletcher.

He called for support for humanitarian aid programs and investment in preparedness.

The best defense against Ebola, he said, is surveillance, laboratory testing, referral systems, infection prevention and control, and community involvement. He further underscored the need for a local-led and community-centered approach to Ebola eradication efforts that is tailored to men and women.

“Any delay will be measured in deaths from Ebola and the loss of life due to the wider humanitarian impact of this outbreak,” said Fletcher.