UPDATE: A deadly new Ebola outbreak in southern Congo has claimed at least 35 lives and infected 57 individuals, prompting urgent warnings from health authorities about a critical lack of resources to manage the crisis. The outbreak was officially announced on September 4, marking the first occurrence in the remote Kasai province in 18 years, where healthcare facilities are overwhelmed and underfunded.
Health organizations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), have raised alarms over the situation, as the fatality rate exceeds 61 percent. “We urgently need our partners and donors to step up and support this lifesaving response to ensure we can contain the outbreak quickly,” said Susan Nzisa Mbalu, head of communications for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Africa.
The IFRC is appealing for $25 million (A$38 million) to provide essential aid to 965,000 people in the affected region. Current resources are running dangerously low, with health facilities reportedly at 119 percent capacity in the Bulape health zone, the epicenter of the outbreak. “Without immediate support, gaps in operations will persist, jeopardizing efforts to contain the outbreak and protect vulnerable communities,” warned Tarik Jasarevic, WHO spokesperson.
In addition to financial needs, local health officials highlight a pressing requirement for ambulances to transport patients from isolated areas, protective equipment, and essential medicines. “All this costs money; we need more support,” stated Mathias Mossoko, the Ebola Response Coordinator in Bulape.
Vaccination efforts have been severely limited, with only 1,740 people vaccinated in three health zones of Kasai province as of September 21. The Bulape zone alone has a population exceeding 212,000, underlining the urgent need for vaccinations and health support.
This outbreak comes at a precarious time, especially considering recent reductions in U.S. funding for such emergencies. Previous U.S. support has been critical for managing past Ebola outbreaks in Congo, leaving health officials anxious about the current situation. Despite the absence of substantial aid from USAID, there has been “some small support,” according to Mossoko, although details remain unclear.
With the situation evolving rapidly, health experts stress the necessity for immediate international assistance to avert further loss of life and to control this unprecedented health crisis in Congo. The world watches closely as health authorities scramble to contain this dangerous outbreak.
