Source: UN News: Wednesday, 27 May 2026 00:01 AM
United Nations agencies are making rapid efforts to control the Ebola virus outbreak in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and providing all possible support, including emergency medical supplies and rescue equipment, to the affected areas. So far, 139 people have been reported dead in DRC and there are about 600 suspected cases of infection. At the same time, two cases have been confirmed in Uganda. Tweet URL
The DRC has faced Ebola 17 times since cases of the Ebola virus were first recorded 50 years ago. Currently, the outbreak is caused by a species called Bundibugyo, which is rare and has no vaccine or treatment. The UN health agency has already declared the spread of the virus a public health emergency of international concern, requiring coordinated action by countries. However, this is not a global pandemic emergency. The UN team, along with health agencies in the eastern part of the DRC and Uganda, are prepared to stop the spread of the deadly Bundibugyo strain of Ebola and increase preparedness and awareness in at-risk areas. medical supplies suppliesWorld Health Organization has dispatched 11.5 tons of medical goods and equipment from the capital Kinshasa and regional centers in Senegal and Kenya. These include personal protective equipment, medical kits, tents and other items. Additionally, water, sanitation and other hygiene materials have also been provided to prevent infection and effectively care for the infected. The UN health agency has said that mutual cooperation with partner organizations and the private sector is vital to control the current situation. UN Peacekeeping Mission in DRC (MONUSCO) has also organized an air service to support government and UN agencies, moving emergency supplies from Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, to Bunia, the capital of Ituri province. In parallel, UN peacekeeping is also making efforts to raise awareness in local communities, where people are being educated about prevention measures, hygiene practices and other risks. The hunger crisis is accompanied by a health emergency, the World Health Organization (WFP) warned that there was already a grave humanitarian situation in the eastern part of the DRC, where armed groups have been active for several decades. But the Ebola outbreak has further complicated the situation. These challenges are deepening at a time when 26.5 million people across the country are facing food insecurity. Of these, 1 crore people are in Ituri province, while in three other provinces also the situation is complicated due to violent conflict and displacement. About 1.7 million people in Ituri, more than one-third of the local population, are facing crisis or worse levels of hunger. Delivering aid is important The UN agency said WFP’s main focus of operations is now facing a health crisis, and that is why its role has become critical. “We are providing vital assistance on a number of fronts, including supporting frontline health workers so they can safely scale up the response.” WFP has made arrangements to transport humanitarian workers, medical supplies and other supplies to hard-to-reach and remote areas. Additionally, food and nutrition assistance has been provided to patients, survivors, their contacts, and affected families. WFP needs $210 million to strengthen its operations in the DRC, of which $10 million is for the Ebola response.
