The United Nations has declared a state of emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak. The decision was made after the death toll reached over 2,000 people, making it the second deadliest Ebola outbreak in history.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. This designation is reserved for “extraordinary events” that pose a global threat and require a coordinated international response.
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC was first declared in August 2018 and has since spread to multiple provinces, including the highly populated city of Goma. The virus has also crossed the border into neighboring Uganda, causing concern for further spread.
The UN’s decision to declare a state of emergency comes after months of efforts to contain the outbreak. However, the response has been hindered by ongoing violence and conflict in the region, as well as community mistrust and misinformation about the virus.
The declaration of a state of emergency will allow for increased resources and coordination to combat the outbreak. The UN has called for $278 million in funding to support the response efforts, but so far only 35% of that amount has been received.
The WHO has also emphasized the need for a stronger international response, stating that “the outbreak is not under control and we need all hands on deck.” This includes increased support from neighboring countries and the international community.
In addition to the Ebola outbreak, the DRC is also facing a measles epidemic that has claimed over 4,000 lives since the beginning of 2019. The WHO has warned that the two outbreaks, along with ongoing conflict and displacement, are creating a “perfect storm” for a humanitarian crisis in the country.
The UN’s declaration of a state of emergency in the DRC serves as a call to action for the international community to step up their efforts in containing and ultimately ending the Ebola outbreak. With the right resources and coordinated response, it is possible to bring an end to this deadly virus and prevent further loss of life.
