The World Health Organisation (WHO) has commended the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for its swift and coordinated response to the recent Ebola outbreak in the country.
Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, gave the commendation on Thursday via the organisation’s official communication channels while providing an update on the outbreak.
According to him, the outbreak, declared two weeks ago near the central town of Bulape, has so far recorded 54 confirmed and probable cases, with 27 deaths.
“I congratulate the government, the Ministry of Health, and DRC’s institutions for their leadership in this response. Years of investment and experience are paying off,” Ghebreyesus said.
He noted that WHO and its partners have been actively supporting the response effort. So far, the organisation has delivered over 14 tons of essential medical supplies, deployed 48 experts, and assisted in listing 885 contacts currently under follow-up. Vaccination of contacts, potential contacts, and frontline health workers is ongoing.
In addition, an 18-bed Ebola treatment centre has been established in Bulape, where 16 patients are currently receiving care. WHO has also deployed 400 vaccine doses to the area, with an additional 45,000 doses in transit. Courses of the monoclonal antibody therapy Mab114 have been distributed to treatment centres, with 14 patients already treated with the drug.
Dr. Ghebreyesus further revealed that WHO has launched a fresh appeal for $21 million to support the DRC in scaling up its response.
“This week, WHO launched an appeal for US$21 million to support DRC to scale up its response. We ask donors to support this response. Your investment now will help to save lives and stop this outbreak at the source,” he stated.
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