Ebola Outbreak in DRC Stirs Concerns Across East Africa
African Union Commission (AUC) has expressed its deepest concerns over the sudden outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Through its chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the commission has further raised awareness over the growing risk of regional spread within continent.
However, the chairperson has acknowledged the swift response the two governments as well as national health authorities and frontline workers have initiated to contain the outbreaks and spread despite the unexpected and difficult circumstances.
At the same time, he also lauded the continued efforts welcome the neighbouring countries were undertaking preparedness measures against the virus spread singling out South Sudan.
“The African Union stands in full solidarity with the peoples and governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda at this critical time, this continent has in the past overcome major public health challenges and through our unity, coordination, and collective action, we shall overcome this one as well, he added.
He said the union was standing solidly in support of the leadership of its Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in coming together with Member States, the World Health Organization (WHO), humanitarian partners, donors, and all relevant stakeholders to set up a continental response to the virus outbreak
“The protection of African lives and the safeguarding of its health security remain our highest priority, and we are calling upon all Member States and partners to intensify support for preparedness, surveillance, and rapid response efforts in affected and at-risk countries.”
The continental union body remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding its public health safety and strengthening the continent’s preparedness and response architecture.
Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared an Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after authorities recorded about 246 cases and 65 deaths in Ituri province, mainly in the areas of Mongwalu and Rwampara.
According to the released reports, preliminary laboratory tests conducted at the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale in Kinshasa detected the Ebola virus in 13 out of 20 samples analyzed, as health authorities rushed to coordinate response efforts and cross-border surveillance with neighbouring countries amid additional suspected cases reported in Bunia, the capital city of Ituri Province.
