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DR Congo Updates Ebola Response Plan, Seeks $1.3 Billion
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is fighting a large Ebola outbreak.
The government and its partners created a new plan for the next 180 days.
They say they need $1.3 billion to carry out the plan.
The outbreak has caused thousands of reported cases and deaths.
It has spread across six provinces and 60 health zones.
Many people are dying in their communities before reaching health centers.
Some of these people were not known to health workers as contacts.
Officials say communities, governments and international partners must work together quickly.
They also want donors to provide reliable funding.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo and partners launched an updated 180-day Ebola response plan.
The plan seeks an estimated US$1.3 billion for full implementation over six months.
The Bundibugyo virus outbreak has reportedly reached 6,342 cases and 3,072 deaths.
The outbreak has spread across 60 health zones in six provinces, with many deaths occurring in communities.
Health authorities and partners called for faster coordination, community involvement and flexible funding.
- Who
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the World Health Organization, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and other partners.
- What
- They launched an updated 180-day multisectoral plan to intensify the Ebola response and requested US$1.3 billion.
- Where
- The outbreak has spread across 60 health zones in six provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; the plan was launched in Kinshasa.
- When
- The plan covers the next six months; reported outbreak figures were current as of September 2, and the outbreak was officially declared in May.
- Why
- Officials say faster detection, contact tracing, community engagement and coordinated, predictable funding are needed to reduce deaths and contain the outbreak.
Key facts
- Funding request
- US$1.3 billion for full implementation of the revised response plan.
- Plan duration
- 180 days, or six months.
- Reported cases
- 6,342 cases as of September 2.
- Reported deaths
- 3,072 deaths as of September 2.
- Geographic spread
- 60 health zones across six provinces.
- Virus
- Bundibugyo virus.
- Major concern
- Many deaths are occurring in communities among people who had not been identified as contacts or reached health facilities.
Quotes
Anne Ancia
Acting WHO representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
“Every case detected too late, every contact missed, and every delay in mobilising resources translates into lives lost”
thehansindia.com
Roger Kamba
Health Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
“The government is fully mobilised to protect every Congolese”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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