United Nations agencies have moved quickly to contain the latest Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), delivering emergency medical supplies, protective equipment, and logistical support.
UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric gave the update on Thursday in New York.
“Our humanitarian and peacekeeping colleagues continue to support the government’s efforts to address the fast-spreading Ebola outbreak,” he said.
The province of Ituri remains the epicentre, with the most affected towns being Rwampara, Mongbwalu, and Bunia. The UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) is providing critical logistical support, including four light passenger vehicles, one helicopter, two ambulances, and two armoured vehicles to facilitate medical evacuation and outreach in high-security-risk areas.
Dujarric noted growing concerns over the spread of Ebola to North Kivu, where cases have been confirmed in Goma, Butembo, and Katwa. A new case has also been reported in Bukavu, South Kivu.
To strengthen response efforts, MONUSCO has deployed motorcycles for contact tracing and rapid response teams. Partners are enhancing surveillance, screening at entry points, and adapting operations.
The World Food Programme (WFP) is facilitating the transport of aid workers and medical supplies, while also providing food and nutrition assistance to affected households. UNICEF has mobilised nearly 50 tonnes of supplies, including disinfectants, personal protective equipment, and water purification items. An emergency rapid response team is heading to Bunia to support risk communication and community engagement.
Dujarric emphasised that the outbreak is occurring in a challenging context of displacement, insecurity, high population mobility, and access constraints.
“This outbreak is unfolding in a context marked by displacement, insecurity, high population mobility, and significant access constraints,” he said.
The DRC has recorded 139 deaths and about 600 suspected cases in the current outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccines or treatments currently exist. Uganda has confirmed two cases.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
