WHO chief visits DR Congo amid Ebola outbreak
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organisation, has arrived in Kinshasa to support the fight against a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The outbreak, declared by authorities two weeks ago, has already caused hundreds of suspected cases and deaths. The situation is complicated by ongoing violence and displacement in the affected regions. Health officials are working to contain the virus, but challenges remain due to insecurity and limited resources.
Highlights
- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is meeting Congolese authorities and plans to visit the epicentre of the Ebola outbreak.
- At least 1,077 suspected cases and 246 deaths have been reported since the outbreak was declared on May 15, according to Africa CDC.
- The outbreak has spread to three provinces in the DRC and has reached neighbouring Uganda, with seven confirmed infections and one death there.
- Millions of displaced people in Ituri province face high risk due to crowded camps and poor hygiene.
- There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, but clinical trials for vaccines and treatments have been recommended.
