The latest Ebola outbreak in central Africa is posing new problems because it is affecting a large urban area with multiple rebel groups operating on its fringes, health officials have warned.
Last night the World Health Organisation appealed to militia leaders to allow workers “free and secure” access through the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The latest outbreak has occurred just weeks after WHO declared an end to an Ebola outbreak elsewhere in the country.
That outbreak was rapidly controlled using new vaccines and techniques developed during the west African epidemic.
But WHO said the risk of violence in North Kivu and its major city, Beni, was putting at risk the progress against Ebola.
The city of Beni has a population of more than 200,000 while the region is prey to the activities of rebels from neighbouring Uganda and Rwanda as well as Islamist militants.
The latest outbreak is centred on the town of Mangina, 30km west of Beni.
WHO regional director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti said: “WHO has vast experience with delivering health services in conflict zones in Africa.
“We will build on this experience to ensure that our staff and partners can do their work and save the lives of the people we are here to help.”
WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “WHO is calling for free and secure access by all responders to the affected populations.
“All of those participating in the response must be able to move freely and safely in conflict areas to do the work that is needed to bring the outbreak under control. The population must also have access to treatment centres that save lives and stop the spread of disease.”
Leave a Reply