Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
THE Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda has claimed more than 200 lives within its first month, with health authorities warning that the situation remains far from under control.
According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), 894 confirmed cases have been recorded, with infections rising by 38 percent in just one week and spreading across 32 health zones in eastern DRC, while cases have also been reported in Uganda. The death toll has surpassed 200.
The outbreak is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment. While 74 patients have recovered, efforts to trace contacts continue to be hampered by conflict, population displacement and difficult terrain in affected areas.
In response to the escalating crisis, African leaders and international partners on Tuesday convened a high-level virtual summit chaired by Évariste Ndayishimiye in his capacity as African Union Chairperson.
The meeting sought to mobilise political support and financial resources for a coordinated regional response plan valued at more than US$500 million.
Zimbabwe joined other African nations in supporting the response, committing US$1 million following an appeal by Africa CDC.
The summit brought together leaders from the DRC, Uganda, South Africa, Botswana, Equatorial Guinea and Eswatini, alongside representatives from the World Health Organization and other international partners.
Discussions focused on strengthening disease surveillance, increasing healthcare personnel, improving laboratory capacity and accelerating the release of pledged funds.
Although more than US$900 million has been pledged globally towards the response, only a fraction has been disbursed. Africa CDC says the outbreak response requires at least 540 personnel, but only 84 have been deployed, leaving significant gaps in surveillance, treatment and community engagement.
