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KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo – In a pressing announcement on Sunday, the World Health Organisation (WHO), in collaboration with health authorities, has officially declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. The declaration is attributed to an increase in cases of the Bundibugyo virus in both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, cited the severity of the situation, stating, “the outbreak has led to at least 50 confirmed deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo, along with multiple cases reported in Uganda.” According to statistics compiled by the WHO, this Ebola outbreak has affected over 40 reported fatalities spanning from both nations.
As a public health emergency of international concern, this declaration will trigger an urgent response from nations across the globe in collaboration with health authorities and international organisations to mitigate the spread of the virus. In response to the declaration, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “the WHO is committed to supporting the governments of both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda in their response efforts, working closely with the health sector, and mobilising further external support.”
The WHO has called upon nations with necessary resources, expertise and equipment, such as laboratory testing, vaccination support, and emergency response mechanisms, to contribute in mitigating the rapid spread of the Ebola virus. Furthermore, a global health emergency fund has been established by the WHO in efforts to provide support for medical aid, healthcare services, and humanitarian needs for affected communities.
While health experts are urging calmness among the general population, heightened vigilance is also necessary at this critical juncture. A number of measures, including contact tracing, isolation, and enhanced surveillance have been recommended by health authorities in both countries.
In response to the outbreak, numerous countries, including the United States, China, the European Union, and African states, have pledged emergency assistance to both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda to combat the virus.
In a joint statement, the Director-General of the WHO stated, “the rapid spread of the Ebola virus is an ongoing public health crisis threatening to overwhelm the healthcare capacities of both nations, it is essential for us to work together to put an end to this.”