UN Chief, Guterres, Appeals For $1.1bn To Fight Ebola Outbreak In DRC
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a critical funding shortfall, with the United Nations warning that response operations could run out of money within weeks.
UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is appealing for 1.1 billion dollars to close the gap in the 2.1-billion-dollar response plan, which is currently only 48 percent funded.
Guterres warned that without additional funding, vital operations could be disrupted just as efforts need to expand to contain the virus.
More than 5,600 confirmed cases and over 2,700 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak was declared on May 15.
The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, is the largest in the DRC’s history, with no vaccines or specific treatments currently available for the strain.
Health authorities are also facing resistance in some communities, including refusals to undergo testing, hampering surveillance and containment efforts.
The WHO and Africa CDC are strengthening testing, surveillance and community engagement, while the European Union has announced 2.5 million euros in support, including testing kits.
Guterres is urging the international community to act quickly, warning that sustained funding is needed to prevent the outbreak from worsening and spreading further.
