WHO seeks more global support as Ebola outbreak worsens in Congo
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for more international support to help contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that the virus is spreading faster than efforts to stop it.
Nearly three months into the outbreak, new cases are doubling in some hot spots, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X after meeting with officials in the capital, Kinshasa. It was the second visit by the WHO director-general to the Central African country since the outbreak was declared in mid-May.
“We all agree that we must urgently and massively scale up all our efforts across all pillars of the response and by all partners,” Tedros said.
According to the latest government figures, the outbreak has recorded 3,802 confirmed cases and 1,707 deaths.
Most of the infections have been reported in Ituri Province in eastern DRC, which accounts for nearly 90 percent of all cases. The virus has also spread to five other provinces.
WHO said it is currently monitoring more than 17,000 people who may have been exposed to the virus, with nearly 80 percent of them being checked every day.
The agency said there are still no approved vaccines or treatments for Ebola. However, two clinical trials for post-exposure medicines are ongoing in Ituri Province.
It also said two vaccine trials are underway in the United Kingdom and Canada as researchers continue efforts to develop effective ways to prevent and control the disease.
Tags:
Share:
Related Post
