Attacks on Red Cross in DR Congo making Ebola fight ‘harder’
Tensions emerge with local communities over the handling of Ebola victims’ remains, as burials must be strictly supervised.
On Monday, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement expressed grave concern following six attacks on Red Cross workers battling a deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over the past week. The attacks, which occurred in Ituri, Haut-Uele, and North Kivu provinces, have seriously injured workers and caused damage to ambulances, vehicles, and vital equipment.
The movement emphasized that attacks on healthcare personnel are unacceptable and essential for the success of Ebola containment efforts. Since May 15, when the outbreak was declared, 12 volunteers have been injured, and 11 violent incidents have resulted in damaged ambulances and destroyed emergency response equipment. The epidemic, driven by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola with no vaccines or treatments, has claimed 2,557 lives out of 5,375 confirmed cases, making it the largest in the DRC's history.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged the DRC to implement social distancing measures and traffic stops for health checks to contain the outbreak and alleviate red tape for international teams and supplies.
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- Attacks on Red Cross in DR Congo making Ebola fight ‘harder’ freemalaysiatoday.com
- Pope calls for more efforts to stop Ebola in DR Congo channelnewsasia.com
- Attacks on Red Cross in DR Congo making Ebola fight 'harder' koreatimes.co.kr
