health
WHO chief calls for DRC ceasefire to tackle Ebola outbreak
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warns of ‘catastrophic collision of disease and conflict’, as Uganda closes border with DRC
TL;DR
- WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calls for an immediate ceasefire in eastern DRC due to the Ebola outbreak.
- Uganda has closed its border with the DRC for four weeks to contain the spread of Ebola.
- Eastern DRC is experiencing a 'catastrophic collision of disease and conflict', with the Ebola outbreak outpacing response efforts.
- There are nearly 1,000 suspected cases and at least 220 suspected deaths in eastern DRC.
- Attacks on health facilities and community distrust are hindering response efforts.
- Children represent a quarter of confirmed deaths, highlighting urgent need for infection prevention measures.
- The outbreak has spread to North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, areas controlled by armed groups.
- Shortages of essential medical supplies and equipment, including body bags and personal protective gear, are critical.
- Traditional burial practices pose a risk as Ebola victims' bodies are highly contagious.