WHO Declares Global Health Emergency as Ebola Kills 82 Across Congo and Uganda

The European Union has rushed emergency humanitarian assistance to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as health authorities battle a worsening Ebola outbreak in the region. The aid operation aims to support healthcare workers and affected communities in remote areas where access remains a major challenge.

According to the European Union, around 100 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, including medicines, tents, protective equipment, and other essential materials, have been airlifted to Bunia, the main city in Ituri Province. The assistance was delivered through a humanitarian air bridge established jointly by the European Commission and UNICEF.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo declared an Ebola epidemic on May 15 after cases of the highly infectious hemorrhagic fever were detected in the region. The outbreak has since spread across parts of eastern Congo and neighboring Uganda, prompting the World Health Organization to declare an international health emergency.

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Health authorities have reported 452 confirmed cases and 82 deaths linked to the outbreak across the affected areas. The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no specific approved vaccine or targeted treatment, making containment efforts particularly challenging.

The epidemic's epicenter is located in Ituri Province, a region that remains difficult to access due to poor road infrastructure and ongoing security concerns linked to armed groups operating in the area. These conditions have complicated efforts to deliver medical assistance and monitor potential new infections.

During a visit to Bunia on Sunday, Hadja Lahbib called for humanitarian and healthcare workers to be granted safe and unrestricted access to affected communities. She stressed the importance of ensuring aid reaches those in need quickly as authorities work to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease.

Also Read: WHO Chief Visits Democratic Republic Of Congo Amid Ebola Outbreak