Ebola-hit DR Congo faces 'catastrophic collision' of disease and conflict, WHO warns
The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a severe Ebola outbreak compounded by ongoing conflict, according to the World Health Organization. The situation in Ituri province is described as a 'catastrophic collision of disease and conflict,' making it difficult for aid workers to respond effectively. With travel restrictions being imposed by neighboring countries, the health authorities are struggling to manage the outbreak and contain the virus.
- ▪The WHO warns that ongoing conflict is hampering the Ebola outbreak response in DR Congo.
- ▪There have been 220 suspected deaths since the outbreak was declared, with only 17 confirmed by lab tests.
- ▪Uganda has temporarily closed its border with DR Congo, allowing only essential workers to cross under strict conditions.
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Ebola-hit DR Congo faces 'catastrophic collision' of disease and conflict, WHO warnsJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleDan SalesAnadolu via Getty ImagesDR Congo is the epicentre of the outbreak though a few cases have been detected in UgandaOngoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo is hampering the Ebola outbreak response, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Ituri province in the east of the country was at the centre of a "catastrophic collision of disease and conflict".In a statement posted on X, Tedros said the WHO could not "build community trust or isolate the sick while bombs are falling". He is due to travel to DR Congo this week to spearhead efforts to contain the virus.
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