Africa CDC says Ebola outbreak remains out of control

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to still be uncontrolled, six months after initial declaration. Jean Kaseya, the agency's director-general, stated that the outbreak poses a severe threat and remains out of control. Over 11,200 infections and 5,500 deaths have been reported since May 15, with the majority of new cases emerging outside contact lists and most deaths occurring outside health centers.

Over 80% of cases and 65% of deaths happen in the community outside health facilities. Kaseya emphasized that if the outbreak is not halted promptly, it would be the worst Ebola outbreak the world has ever seen. The rare Bundibugyo species of the virus is causing the second-largest outbreak on record, following the 2014-16 West African outbreak.

Despite a significant influx of aid pledges worth around $2.9 billion, healthcare workers report untrained staff, ambulances without fuel, and a lack of surveillance teams. Coordination between the DRC government and donors is reportedly problematic, with Kaseya calling for the release of around $1.6 billion in pledged aid and close collaboration with the Kinshasa government to prevent wastage through duplication.