Fastest growing Ebola outbreak is worsening hunger in eastern Congo, UN agency chief warns
Summary
The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is growing faster than ever and is causing more hunger in a region already suffering from conflict and food shortages. The United Nations food agency warns that millions of people in the area are facing severe hunger and the outbreak is making the situation worse.Key Facts
- The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo was declared on May 15 and is the fastest growing in history.
- Over 3,300 people have been confirmed infected, with nearly 1,500 deaths so far.
- The affected area, Ituri province, has about 1.9 million people needing food aid.
- Eastern Congo has almost 10 million people facing crisis or emergency hunger, worsened by ongoing conflicts.
- The United Nations World Food Program had to reduce food assistance from 3 million people last year to 1 million this year due to lack of funds.
- The Ebola virus in this outbreak has no approved vaccine or treatment yet; a vaccine trial is underway but is months away from distribution.
- Measures to control the virus, such as border closings and movement restrictions, have disrupted markets and increased food and fuel prices.
- The UN humanitarian appeal for Congo is only 45% funded and requires more support to address the combined Ebola and hunger crisis.
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