WHO says risk of Ebola transmission declines slowly in eastern DR Congo
Kigali, Rwanda (PANA) - The number of confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) remained relatively low this week, with 21 new confirmed cases reported in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday.
As case incidence declines, continued strengthening of community-based surveillance and alerts from health facilities to rapidly detect flare-ups is a high priority for all areas, the agency noted.
Reports by health officials indicated that during the past 21 days (from 2 – 22 October), 50 confirmed cases were reported from eight active health zones in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, with the majority reported in three health zones in Mandima, Mambasa and Mabalako.
Since the outbreak, haemorrhagic fever has decreased in recent months, infecting 3,250 people and killing a total of 2,174 people.
However, the UN agency noted that continued movement of cases not only increases the risk of spread of EVD to unaffected and previously cleared geographic areas, but also it hinders timely case investigations, contact tracing, and response measures implemented to limit the risk of transmission.
To contain the deadly virus in the affected regions, the estimated funding requirement for all partners for the period July to December 2019 is US$ 287 million, including US$ 140 million for the UN agency.
As of 21 October 2019, WHO has received US$ 69.5 million, with additional funds committed or pledged.
-0- PANA TWA/AR 25Oct2019
