UN warns of spread of Ebola in DR Congo, neighbouring countries
Admin l Saturday, April 13, 2019
CONGO DR – The United Nations has warned of possible spread of Ebola Virus Disease in DR Congo and neighbouring countries as new cases of Ebola spiked on Wednesday to 20. Already 764 have died of Ebola in DR Congo since August 2018 out of 1, 206 confirmed cases.
Up to the end of March, more than 320 patients had recovered and been discharged from treatment centres, according to the Government’s health ministry.
Because there is a very high risk of regional spread, the Committee said that neighbouring countries should continue to accelerate preparedness “and surveillance, including vaccinating healthcare and front-line workers in surrounding countries.
“The Emergency Committee recommended that cross-border collaboration be strengthened, including through the timely sharing of Ebola data and alerts; community engagement, and awareness raising”, the UN said.
The UN encourages that work should be done to better map population movements and understand the community networks which bridge national boundaries.
“The Committee maintained its previous advice that no international travel or trade restrictions should be applied, adding that while exit screening, including at airports, ports, and land crossings, is of great importance, entry screening is not considered beneficia, said the committee, appealing for more financial support, to strengthen efforts in both preparedness and response.
