Brant Schwartz New York – The United Nations has called for urgent international action as the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to spread, with more than 5,600 cases and 2,700 deaths reported across six provinces since mid-May.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that around 500 new cases are being recorded each week, while the humanitarian response remains only 48 percent funded. He called for an additional $1.1 billion to strengthen efforts to contain the outbreak.
The response is being complicated by ongoing conflict and displacement. More than 40 healthcare workers have been killed, while treatment centers and ambulances have also come under attack.
WHO has deployed more than 260 experts and delivered over 330 tonnes of medical and logistical supplies. Community teams, volunteers, religious leaders and local artists are also supporting awareness and prevention campaigns.
Neighbouring Burundi has not reported any confirmed cases but has strengthened border surveillance and health screenings due to the risk of cross-border transmission.
Meanwhile, Uganda officially declared its Ebola outbreak over after 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed case.
The UN warned that without additional funding and stronger international support, essential operations in DR Congo could begin running out of resources within weeks.
