DR Congo: Norway contributes NOK 50 million to the WHO Health Contingencies Fund following Ebola outbreak

Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Norway, Uganda Source: Government of Norway Norway is strengthening the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Health Contingencies Fund with a contribution of NOK 50 million following a new outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and Uganda. – When dangerous diseases break out, every hour counts. We must be able to respond immediately, before the situation escalates. That is why we are now strengthening the WHO Health Contingencies Fund. Stopping outbreaks early saves lives where the crisis occurs and also makes the world safer, said Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust. The fund can release resources within 24 hours. WHO has already disbursed USD 3.9 million to support the response to the Ebola outbreak. Ebola outbreak with high risk of spread On 15 May, an Ebola outbreak was confirmed in Ituri Province in north-eastern DR Congo. WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. The outbreak involves a rare strain of the virus for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Conflict, large population movements and weak government control make contact tracing and response efforts challenging, and increase the risk of further spread to other parts of the country and to neighbouring countries. The severe humanitarian situation in the region, with more than 26 million people facing acute food insecurity, further increases vulnerability. Undernutrition, displacement and weakened health services contribute to a higher risk of infection and increased mortality. Despite major challenges related to access to affected communities, Congolese health authorities have extensive knowledge and relevant experience in responding to Ebola outbreaks. The African Union’s public health a...

Original source: Relief Web