The military governor of Ituri province, Johnny Luboya Nkashama, has warned that the current Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo could descend into catastrophe without a rapid and coordinated response.
Governor’s Warning
Speaking to RFI, Nkashama likened the fight against Ebola to a “war” for which resources are lacking.
- Communities are not receiving enough food.
- Overcrowding and other diseases compound the crisis.
- He called for qualified personnel, secure treatment centres, and urgent financial mobilisation.
Ebola Outbreak Details
- Declared on 15 May, the outbreak has already seen 900 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a public health emergency of international concern, warning the virus is spreading faster than response efforts.
- The outbreak is driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain, only the third worldwide and unseen in over a decade.
- Cases have been confirmed in North and South Kivu provinces and Uganda (seven cases).
Regional and International Response
- WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said responders are “playing catch-up” and will travel to DR Congo.
- The Africa CDC met with ministers from DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, agreeing on a $319m budget to contain the outbreak.
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged $5m to support the plan.
- African business leaders and international partners are mobilising additional funds.
Wider Risk
Africa CDC has warned that countries including Angola, Burundi, CAR, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia are at risk. With no vaccine yet available for Bundibugyo, WHO says it could take up to nine months before one is ready.
Outlook
This marks DR Congo’s 17th Ebola outbreak since 1976, but the Bundibugyo strain poses new challenges. Nkashama’s urgent appeal underscores the need for swift, well-funded action to prevent the epidemic from spiraling into a continental catastrophe.