rki.news | Source: Xinhua
The United Nations has called for immediate efforts to control the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and prevent further spread across the region.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said the response must be accelerated, warning that the outbreak remains highly active, particularly in Ituri province, the current epicenter.
Fletcher said the virus is spreading to other provinces where conflict, population movement and limited healthcare access are increasing risks of transmission. Since the outbreak was declared on May 15, more than 1,700 people have been infected and hundreds have died in the DRC, while Uganda has also reported cases.
DRC Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba said it is too early to predict when the outbreak will peak due to high population density, frequent movement of people and challenges in community engagement.
Fletcher stressed that Ebola is not only a health crisis but also a humanitarian emergency affecting communities already facing conflict, hunger and displacement. He urged all parties to ensure safe access for health workers, medical supplies and humanitarian assistance.
The latest update from DRC authorities reported 1,792 confirmed cases, including 625 deaths, with a fatality rate of 34.1 percent. The UN continues to expand its response efforts and called for urgent international support.