UN warns Ebola could cost Africa $3.6bn and jobs
Summary
The United Nations warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) could cost Africa up to $3.6 billion and cause hundreds of thousands of job losses. The outbreak began in May and has infected over 1,300 people, with concerns it may spread to neighboring countries.Key Facts
- The Ebola outbreak in the DRC involves the Bundibugyo strain, which has no tested vaccine or treatment.
- Since May 15, 1,307 people have been infected, and 377 have died from the virus.
- The outbreak has spread to Uganda, with risk of spreading to other neighbors like South Sudan, Rwanda, and Angola.
- The UN predicts that if the outbreak spreads, it could cost Africa $3.6 billion in GDP and 328,000 jobs.
- The worst impact scenario includes higher fuel costs linked to the crisis in Iran.
- The outbreak’s epicenter is the conflict-affected Ituri province in the DRC.
- Traditional funeral practices in the DRC, which involve close contact with bodies, have helped spread the virus.
- The DRC government banned public gatherings in four provinces, including the capital Kinshasa, as a response to the outbreak and ahead of a planned protest.
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