WHO Launches $518m Plan to Fight Ebola

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Union's Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have unveiled a six-month, $518m plan to combat the spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, running from June to November.

WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the situation demands both financing and political commitment. "The outbreak is moving fast and we are still playing catch-up". he said, adding that stopping the epidemic requires "political commitment, sustained finances and trust in engaging the communities".

Africa CDC has said the disease spread undetected for several weeks before being identified, complicating containment efforts. So far, 381 cases and 62 deaths have been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The outbreak is caused by a rare strain called Bundibugyo, for which no approved treatment or vaccine exists. Jean Kaseya, head of Africa CDC, said: "If you compare with previous Bundibugyo outbreaks this is the most serious Bundibugyo outbreak we have."

Donors have so far pledged $315.8m, though it remains unclear whether those funds will be directed towards the new six-month plan.

Africa CDC reported the outbreak on 15 May and the WHO subsequently declared it a public health emergency of international concern.

(reuters, bak)