WHO working to contain spread of latest DR Congo Ebola outbreak, says Dr Tedros
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said the UN agency is working to contain the spread of the latest outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Equateur province.
Speaking in Geneva to journalists, he described the outbreak, which has recorded 86 cases, as "a worrying development".
He said while the geographic spread of the outbreak is vast, with many areas only accessible by helicopter or boat, 100 WHO staff are working with the health ministry, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations and other partners, to stamp out infection.
In addition, he said, WHO had released $2.5 million from its contingency fund for emergencies and its regional emergency response fund to support immediate needs.
To end the outbreak, WHO needs additional funding and the agency is working with surrounding provinces and neighbouring countries to enhance preparedness, he said.
“This is not just a matter for a country’s health security,” Dr. Tedros said. “It is a matter of global health security.”
Whether it is COVID-19, Ebola or other high impact epidemics, the world must be prepared and respond quickly. “Our best chance to be successful is always do it together,” Dr. Tedros said.
-0- PANA MA 14Aug2020
