Hard setback in the Ebola hospital wards, the WHO band rivalry burned to the ground

WHO device in the fight against Ebola in between the fronts

The world health organization (WHO) is deeply concerned. 24. and 27. February 2019 were attacked two Ebola treatment centers in the band rivalries dominated areas of Katwa and Butembo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The security forces were killed, a nursing station was burned down to the Foundation walls. Reasons for the attack are not currently called.

According to the WHO, has increased as a result of the attack, the risk of sustained Transmission of Ebola in the area. During the attack, four Ebola escaped patients. The WHO is currently looking for the Infected, to prevent further outbreaks. “Such attacks are deplorable and have a direct effect on the lives of the population and on the risk of a further spread of the disease,” writes the WHO in a press release the attack.

Patients had to be moved

After the attack the patients in the infirmary were brought to the transit centre in Katwa, which is now expanded by the WHO to be able to additional persons Concerned.

Disease control under extreme conditions

“The Situation is unprecedented: There has never been an Ebola outbreak under these conditions,” explains WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a further communication. The population is highly mobile and, simultaneously, huge gaps in the health system. In addition, the security context is another big Problem.

The outbreak is not over yet

The attack threw back the WHO in the work. Expensive Equipment, drugs, vaccines, and facilities were destroyed. The Director-General explained that it will need a 148 million dollars to continue the work, otherwise, you risk hard setbacks, and further outbreaks. “The outbreak is not over yet and we urgently need additional resources to get through it,” says Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

About the work in the Congo

According to the WHO were vaccinated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo so far, over 80,000 people and over 400 were treated for Ebola. Furthermore, thousands of suspected cases have been monitored and Ebola tested. In addition, care trained forces and border guard personnel to possible Infected. So the spread in neighboring countries could be prevented so far.

WHO asks for support

“We have a common responsibility, this outbreak beenden“, Dr. Tedros emphasized. No country or organization could face this deadly Virus alone. If the containment propose in the Congo fail, the impact on public health far beyond the country or the continent. WHO would not want to give up, until the outbreak is stopped. “But to beat Ebola, wherever it is, is expensive,” the Director-General. He is hoping for further donations. (vb)