Africa CDC says Ebola outbreak still out of control six months since it was

DAKAR, Nov 15 - Africa's premier health body highlighted on Sunday the Ebola outbreak in Congo remains uncontrolled six months after its declaration, citing issues like attacks on medical personnel, unpaid staff, and resource scarcity. According to Jean Kaseya, the director-general of the Africa CDC, speaking to Reuters, "Today, we all agree that this outbreak is still serious and not under control."

Since the announcement on May 15, the outbreak has claimed over 11,200 lives and infected more than 5,500 people, according to official statistics. A significant portion of recent cases, over 80%, and deaths, exceeding 65%, have occurred in communities far from health facilities, Kaseya added. Ebola is particularly infectious during its final stages.

Kaseya emphasized that if immediate action isn't taken, this could become the most severe Ebola outbreak ever recorded. The outbreak, caused by a rare Bundibugyo strain, is the second-largest on record after the 2014-16 West African Ebola epidemic, which infected around 28,600 individuals and resulted in over 11,000 deaths. Although a global surge in financial support has been pledged, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), a medical charity, pointed out that resources are not reaching critical areas.

Untrained staff, fuel shortages for ambulances, and insufficient surveillance teams are cited as key challenges. Kaseya pointed out the need for better coordination between Congo's government and international donors, noting that a collective failure exists. He urged donors to release approximately $1.6 billion in pledged aid and collaborate closely with the Kinshasa government to prevent wastage due to duplication.

Kaseya also admitted that some health workers had gone unpaid for months and revealed that Congo's government is actively working to streamline payroll processes.