The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is hindering efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak, warned World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
According to him, the eastern province of Ituri lies at the heart of a "catastrophic collision of disease and conflict," with hostilities making effective containment of the virus nearly impossible.
"Stopping the spread of Ebola depends entirely on humanitarian access. However, ongoing clashes are leading to mass population displacement, forcing those who have been in contact with infected individuals into overcrowded camps. ... We cannot build trust within communities or isolate the sick while bombs are falling," the WHO chief stated.
He called on warring parties to agree on an immediate ceasefire to contain the Ebola outbreak, ensuring safe and sustained access for medical teams.
Earlier in May, the number of suspected Ebola cases in the DRC surpassed one thousand.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the new Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda as a public health emergency of international concern.
In response to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda, authorities in Zambia, Burundi, Tanzania, and Rwanda have announced measures to combat the infection.
Ebola is a severe, acute viral disease with a high fatality rate. Transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected individuals, as well as with contaminated surfaces and materials.
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