Multisectoral Plan Launched to Control Ebola in Congo

September 6, Kinshasa (Congo) (RASS/Sinhua) – The Democratic Republic of Congo and its partners have accelerated efforts against the Ebola outbreak with the launch of a multisectoral Ebola control and response plan set to last 180 days. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that this initiative will require a financial fund of approximately 130 million US dollars. Implemented with support from WHO, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and other partners, the plan aims to serve as an operational guide for Ebola control responses over the next six months.

According to the WHO Regional Office for Africa, as of September 2, 6,342 people have been infected by the Bundibugyo virus strain of Ebola, with 3,072 fatalities reported. This outbreak has spread across 60 health zones in six provinces of Congo. Health authorities have expressed concern as death rates are higher in communities with limited access to healthcare services. Annie Ensia, WHO’s acting representative in Congo, highlighted that delays in detecting infections and deploying necessary resources during the early stages contributed to the high number of deaths, and she called upon relevant agencies for swift and coordinated action.

Roger Kambale, Congo’s Health Minister, emphasized that controlling the outbreak requires the involvement of communities, government bodies, partners, donors, and efforts beyond the health sector. He also affirmed that the government is fully mobilized to ensure the safety of every Congolese citizen. United Nations Resident Coordinator Damian Mam stressed the need for adequate, predictable, and flexible funding and support to integrate the Ebola response with comprehensive humanitarian efforts. The Africa CDC has also pledged ongoing support for national response activities, including resource deployment, coordination with partners, and maximizing community engagement. Officially declared in May, the Ebola outbreak in Congo is currently considered the largest and fastest-spreading recorded occurrence of the disease.