By Our Correspondent
National News – United Nations agencies have intensified emergency efforts to contain the fast-spreading Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of Democratic Republic of the Congo, with health officials warning that densely populated communities remain at high risk.
The outbreak, which has already killed 139 people and recorded about 600 suspected cases, has pushed humanitarian teams into urgent action across affected provinces.
The World Health Organisation, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Food Programme and the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, are leading coordinated interventions aimed at limiting the spread of the deadly virus.
The response focuses on the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, where confirmed cases have emerged in major towns including Bunia, Goma, Butembo, Katwa and Bukavu.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric disclosed that medical supplies, ambulances, motorcycles and protective equipment have been deployed to support rapid response teams and improve contact tracing operations.
MONUSCO has also provided helicopters and security vehicles to help health workers access remote and insecure communities.
Health authorities confirmed that the latest Ebola outbreak was caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, which currently has no approved vaccine or medicine.
Uganda has also confirmed two Ebola cases linked to the outbreak, increasing fears of cross-border transmission.
According to humanitarian agencies, the outbreak is worsening due to insecurity, mass displacement and poor access to healthcare facilities in several affected regions.
UNICEF warned that children remain especially vulnerable because of disrupted health services, loss of caregivers and increased psychosocial distress.
The World Food Programme revealed it urgently requires more than $214 million to sustain humanitarian operations in Congo, including over $10 million dedicated specifically to Ebola response efforts.
The WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, urging countries to strengthen cooperation, surveillance and screening measures to prevent further spread across the region.
