Six months after the initial declaration of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has stated that the situation remains uncontrolled. Director-General Jean Kaseya warned that unless the transmission is halted immediately, the crisis risks becoming the worst in global history.
Government data indicates that the outbreak, which began on May 15, has resulted in over 11,200 recorded cases and 5,500 deaths. The virus, identified as the rare Bundibugyo strain, has now affected eight of the country's 26 provinces. According to the Africa CDC, 80 percent of new infections are emerging outside of established contact lists, and more than 65 percent of fatalities are occurring within the community rather than in formal health facilities.
Containment efforts face significant logistical and social challenges. Health workers in the region have staged strikes due to months of unpaid wages, occasionally leaving confirmed patients without treatment. Additionally, aid groups and the Africa CDC have reported concerns regarding the management of international funding. While $2.9 billion was pledged by donors, only $1.3 billion has been released. The Hindu reported that aid organisations have also raised questions regarding $700 million in aid that remains unaccounted for.
The response is further complicated by regional conflict, with reports of fatal attacks on medical staff. UNICEF data through November 4 shows that children account for 35 percent of all deaths, with a 72 percent fatality rate among infected children under the age of five. While no vaccine currently exists for the Bundibugyo strain, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that clinical trials for two new vaccine candidates are advancing, with results expected in early 2027.
Key facts
- The outbreak has claimed over 5,500 lives since it was officially declared on May 15.
- Eight of the DRC’s 26 provinces are currently affected by the virus.
- Approximately 35 percent of total recorded deaths are among children, according to UNICEF figures.
- Only $1.3 billion of the $2.9 billion pledged by international donors has been released to date.
- The current crisis is the second-largest and second-deadliest Ebola outbreak on historical record.
Why it matters
The persistence of the virus poses a significant public health threat, as the current outbreak is on track to surpass the death toll of the 2014-2016 West African epidemic, which killed more than 11,000 people. Experts indicate there is little probability of bringing the disease under control within the next year, as new hotspots continue to emerge and strain an already fragile healthcare infrastructure.
Background
This is the 17th Ebola outbreak recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By the time the current outbreak was formally announced in mid-May, authorities had already identified 43 deaths, suggesting the virus had been circulating undetected for some time.
Source: Al Jazeera, The Hindu
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