WHO Concerned As Ebola Resurfaces In DRC With 56 New Cases

The World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Region, has expressed concern at the new Ebola cases surging in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This was confirmed in a tweet on Thursday by Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Africa Regional Director.

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Recall that WHO had in June 25, declared the end of the Ebola outbreak in the country.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom, had at that time, disclosed that an Ebola vaccine had also been produced.

“For the first time, the world now has a licensed Ebola vaccine,” he had said.

However, Moeti, pointed out that the virus was gradually resurfacing in the country and that health equipment and funding were not sufficient.

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“Concerns raised as the #Ebola outbreak in Equateur Province #DRC continues to grow and resources diminish.

“There are now 56 cases, surpassing the 2018 outbreak in this area of 54 cases in total.

“The response is facing alarming funding shortfalls and resources could be exhausted in just weeks,” she said.

Furthermore, she stressed that the Ebola vaccine had helped a great deal but added that partners would have to help out so that the health authorities would be able to curb the spread.

“Cases are scattered throughout remote, rainforest-surrounded areas and additional capacities and resources are urgently needed to scale up efforts by @WHO and partners.

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“Despite challenges, significant milestones have been reached since the outbreak began.

“Vaccinations began within four days of the outbreak being declared and more than 12,000 people have been vaccinated in just 6 weeks,” she said.

Ebola (ebola hemorrhagic fever) causes severe bleeding, organ failure, and may lead to the victim’s death.

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