WHO chief calls for DRC ceasefire to tackle Ebola outbreak
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) leader has asked for a stop to fighting in eastern Congo to help stop the Ebola outbreak. The virus has spread in conflict areas, making it hard for health workers to treat patients and track cases.Key Facts
- The Ebola outbreak began on May 15 in Ituri province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
- There are about 900 suspected Ebola cases and over 200 suspected deaths in the DRC, plus 7 confirmed cases and 1 death in Uganda.
- Armed groups control parts of the region, causing conflict and pushing many people to move and live in crowded camps.
- Fighting and attacks on health facilities make it hard for health workers to do their jobs safely.
- WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will visit the DRC this week to address the outbreak.
- Traditional burial practices involving touching the bodies increase the risk of spreading Ebola.
- Some patients have fled hospitals after attacks, hindering efforts to isolate and treat them.
- The outbreak has spread to rebel-controlled areas in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
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