As the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to spread, with a total of 48 cases, including 38 killed, as of Aug. 9, the World Health Organization (WHO) is now calling for greater access to affected populations.
This outbreak marks the country’s 10th, but it also represents the first time Ebola has struck it in a densely populated zone currently experiencing active conflict: North Kivu. WHO has been in contact with the country’s Ministry of Health to navigate response, but access remains a critical issue as armed groups promote insecurity.
“WHO is calling for free and secure access by all responders to the affected populations,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. “All of those participating in the response must be able to move freely and safely in conflict areas to do the work that is needed to bring the outbreak under control. The population must also have access to treatment centers that save lives and stop the spread of disease.”
Most of the confirmed cases have occurred in the Mangina health area, outside of the city of Beni. Unfortunately, the armed groups there keep experts from getting to monitor as they need, which is twice a day for three weeks straight. It also creates problems for community members who might otherwise come forward for treatment.