Ebola outbreak remains out of control in Congo 6 months into response

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to safeguard progress made in battling the Ebola outbreak. In a recent statement, the organization expressed concern over attacks and threats against response teams hindering lifesaving operations. WHO regretted that ongoing conflict, displacement, and movement restrictions continue to impede response efforts.

A notable armed attack in Cantine-Aloya locality claimed 66 civilian lives, including three health workers. The WHO emphasized that a halt in hostilities is urgently required to protect communities, health workers, and the gains achieved over the past six months. Additionally, three health facilities have been looted, over 1,000 contacts lost to follow-up, and three confirmed cases remain unaccounted for.

WHO stated that insecurity poses one of the greatest obstacles to the response, citing over 80 attacks on healthcare facilities since the outbreak declaration. Despite the response slowing transmission in initial epicenters, the disease continues to spread, with 400-500 new cases reported weekly across 67 health zones in eight provinces.

Children are disproportionately affected, with more than a quarter of confirmed cases and one-third of deaths involving children under five, who have a 70% mortality rate. The WHO also highlighted that delays in paying frontline health workers and responders create tension and slow the response. Recent imported cases in Kenya and Nigeria underscore the ongoing risk of the outbreak's spread beyond national borders.

WHO is coordinating the technical health response, while the wider humanitarian system aids in access, logistics, protection, and essential services. Approximately 100 health and humanitarian partners are present in affected areas, offering treatment for acute malnutrition.