Eastern DRC Ebola outbreak at 'risk of spiralling out of control'

Photo from Unsplash by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Source: Christian Aid

Following the confirmation that more than 2,000 people have now died from Ebola in eastern DRC, Christian Aid's Head of Global Humanitarian Response Salome Ntububa, who is based in Goma, said: "This is a terrifying time for people in eastern DRC. The fact it took nearly three months for the first 1,000 people to die from Ebola but less than three weeks to reach the grim milestone of 2,000 deaths shows that this Ebola outbreak is at real risk of spiralling out of control.

"Without a vaccine for this strain of Ebola, the only way to save people's lives it to make sure people know how to prevent the spread of the disease.

"It is also vital for those feeling ill to seek medical attention and quarantine at a treatment centre before they infect anyone else. However, the lack of transport and poor roads in eastern DRC makes it hard for people to receive the care they need in time. The situation is made far more complex by ongoing conflict in Ituri province, which both hinders people reaching treatment centres but also pushes people into already overcrowded displacement camps, where it is even easier for the disease to spread.

"Christian Aid's local partners have been working with trusted local leaders, including pastors and priests to combat the misinformation that has hampered the response so far. Unfortunately, still too many people are reluctant to let loved ones go into quarantine in case they die while away from their family.

"While there has been considerable progress in the response on the ground, including the recent opening of a 100-bed treatment centre in the town of Bunia, in Ituri, the scale of the unfolding crisis means without additional emergency funding from the international community we are likely to see a speeding up of disease transmission and a further spike in the number of deaths."

There are currently more than 4,000 Ebola cases confirmed but ongoing conflict and displacement make it hard to confirm numbers and increases the risk of regional outbreaks.

This is the 17th outbreak - and the largest - in the DRC and the pace of transmission is outstripping the response capabilities.

Christian Aid's partners, Communauté Baptiste au Centre de l'Afrique/Baptist Community in Central Africa (CBCA) and Ecumenical Development Support Office (BOAD) are helping to share life-saving public health messaging to reach more than half a million people. They are also supporting frontline health workers by supplying 20 health centres across Ituri with essential supplies including mattresses and blankets, as well as tents so they can isolate and treat Ebola patients.

Donate to Christian Aid's Ebola Emergency Appeal: https://give.christianaid.org.uk/donate/CAM-012493