The Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is continuing to spread at an alarming rate, with the United Nations warning that the epidemic is expanding “faster and wider” than ever before.
UN Senior Ebola Coordinator Julien Harneis said more than 2,500 people have died since the outbreak began in May.
The response has been severely affected by ongoing conflict, inadequate infrastructure, limited government control and shortages of funding in eastern DRC. Harneis warned that the current funding available to fight the outbreak could run out within weeks.
Health workers have also faced serious dangers while responding to the crisis. More than 260 attacks on healthcare workers have been reported over the past six months, resulting in eight deaths. More than 160 healthcare workers have contracted Ebola, with 43 of them dying.
Aid organisations say the response has also been complicated by misinformation and conspiracy theories. Some communities reportedly believe the outbreak is a hoax and have become angry when health restrictions prevent families from personally burying relatives who died from the virus.
Another major challenge is the absence of a vaccine specifically targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rare strain that can cause severe haemorrhagic fever.
Harneis warned that without a stronger and faster international response, the epidemic could spread to neighbouring countries. He called for additional funding, more healthcare workers and increased resources to reach communities in remote areas.
He said the outbreak is occurring in a region that has experienced three decades of conflict, creating enormous humanitarian needs alongside the Ebola crisis.
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