Uganda: In a warning during his visit to Bunia in Congo, WHO chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu has called governments to avoid imposing travel restrictions and border closures in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring Uganda. He cited containment difficulties which could hamper efforts made by health care officials.
He stressed that restrictions on movement often discourage transparency and cooperation, both of which are vital in responding effectively to public health emergencies.
The WHO chief arrived in Bunia on Saturday to assess the on ground situation and reinforce international support for response operations in the virus hit regions. During his visit, he is expected to tour treatment facilities and meet local officials, healthcare workers and families impacted by the outbreak.
Earlier on Friday, the WHO head met Congo’s Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka. Addressing media, he said, ” “This is a difficult situation, and we recognise that. But the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has faced the Ebola virus many times before. We are confident that it can once again bring this outbreak under control.”
Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, is battling one of the most severe Ebola outbreaks recorded in recent years.
More than 1000 cases and 220 deaths suspects
Since the outbreak was officially declared on May 15, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the DRC has recorded at least 1,077 suspected Ebola cases and 246 deaths since the outbreak began. Across the border, nine cases, including infections detected in the capital, Kampala. Uganda has also reported one death linked to the outbreak.
The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a less common variant for which no vaccine exists currently. Supportive care, early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly improve survival rates according to health care experts.
On Thursday, medical aid donated by the European Union (EU) arrived in Ituri,with more shipments expected over the next 8 days. The US meanwhile has announced $80 million in additional aid on the same day, bringing its total donation to more than $112 million.
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