World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has landed in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, to address the ongoing Ebola outbreak, which has resulted in at least 223 suspected deaths.
Tedros's visit comes as the DRC battles its 17th recorded Ebola outbreak since May 15, which has seen over 1,000 confirmed and suspected cases.
A Call to Action Amid Crisis
'That thing can be stopped,' Tedros stated, urging collaboration to combat the disease. He emphasized that travel bans are ineffective in controlling the outbreak.
He plans to visit Ituri province, the epicenter of the epidemic, which is also a region plagued by violence from armed groups, complicating containment efforts.
- 10 confirmed Ebola deaths recorded by the WHO.
- 223 suspected deaths linked to the outbreak.
- Over 1,000 confirmed and suspected cases reported.
Tedros has made a direct appeal to warring factions in the area to cease hostilities, highlighting that ongoing conflict exacerbates the health crisis.
He stated, 'No cause, no conflict, no grievance is worth condemning innocent people to death from a preventable disease.'
Vaccine Development Progress
Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola responsible for this outbreak. However, Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa CDC, announced that a vaccine should be available by the end of 2026.
Kaseya mentioned, 'Our leaders are ready to invest' in the development of this crucial vaccine.
The WHO is actively providing aid, having delivered 4.6 tonnes to Bunia, the capital of Ituri, while UNICEF is sending 100 tonnes of assistance.
Regional Measures and Implications
In response to the outbreak, Uganda has closed its border with the DRC after reporting one confirmed death and six additional cases. Meanwhile, the United States is establishing a treatment facility in Kenya for its citizens.
The WHO is working with both the DRC and Uganda to facilitate clinical trials for potential vaccines and treatments against the Bundibugyo strain.
Over the past 50 years, Ebola has claimed more than 15,000 lives across Africa, with the deadliest outbreak in the DRC from 2018 to 2020 resulting in nearly 2,300 deaths.