Congo-Kinshasa: UN Chief Condemns 'Indifference' As Ebola Cases Mount in DR Congo

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is worsening, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning of indifference as the epidemic spreads faster than response efforts. The current funding only covers 48% of the response, and the resources are projected to last only weeks, not months. Guterres emphasized that while the means to contain Ebola exist, indifference must be overcome.

He called for an additional $1.1 billion to ramp up operations. The outbreak, centered in Ituri province, has displaced one million people, and over 12 million are in need of humanitarian aid. Insecurity directly hinders the response, with over 40 healthcare workers killed and treatment centers and ambulances attacked. To combat the virus and violence, local artists and social media influencers are raising awareness through their platforms.

Religious leaders and former combatants have also been trained to share prevention measures with local communities. Meanwhile, Uganda has declared its own Ebola outbreak over after 42 consecutive days without new confirmed cases, meeting the internationally established criterion for outbreak ending. Uganda reported 20 cases, including two deaths, and identified and monitored 800 contacts to stop the spread.