Ebola Spreads as WHO Seeks More Aid for Congo

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged international donors not to reduce support for the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the country battles one of its worst Ebola outbreaks in years. The agency has received only about 40% of the $115m it says is needed to fund the emergency response.

The funding is being used to combat the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment. According to Congolese health authorities, the outbreak has infected at least 1,926 people and claimed 702 lives.

Following a visit to the eastern province of Ituri, WHO Health Emergencies Program Executive Director Chikwe Ihekweazu warned that the Democratic Republic of the Congo cannot contain the outbreak without sustained international assistance. He said the response had reached a critical stage after the virus spread to two additional provinces this week.

Ihekweazu called for intensified efforts to detect cases early, isolate infected patients and prevent further transmission. He compared the response to a marathon, saying healthcare workers could not afford to lose momentum as the outbreak continues.

The WHO also warned that the true scale of the epidemic is likely much larger than official figures suggest. Experts estimate the actual number of infections could be at least twice the reported total and, in the worst-case scenario, as much as four times higher.

(Reuters, Max)