Published on YouTube: WHO warns Ebola outbreak in DRC 'rampant for weeks' as response faces funding shortfall

WHO warns Ebola outbreak in DRC 'rampant for weeks' as response faces funding shortfall
The World Health Organization is racing to contain an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo that has been "rampant and transmitting silently for days" before being properly diagnosed, according to Anne Ancia, WHO representative in the DRC. Speaking from Bunia, the epicenter in Ituri province, Ancia said the situation is "complex and really difficult." The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, for which there is no approved vaccine. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, headaches and muscle pain, but the virus can progress to severe dehydration, hemorrhages and death. Ancia explained that the outbreak went undetected for weeks because the local laboratory lacked the right reagent to diagnose the Bundibugyo subtype. The response is now underway, with 40 health experts and 12 tons of supplies deployed, but challenges remain. Authorities say insecurity, armed conflict, and high population movement are accelerating the spread of the virus. The outbreak has also spread to North Kivu province and has reached Goma, which is controlled by de facto authorities. Two confirmed cases have been reported on the border with Rwanda, which has closed its border except for humanitarian response. Uganda has also reported two cases from people crossing from Bunia. Ancia said the WHO needs an estimated $30m for the response but currently has only $2m to $5m, relying on its own contingency fund and a $1m contribution from the UK's FCDO. She noted that the US withdrawal from the WHO has impacted financing. "The lack of US financing might hurt us," she said, adding that other donors need to step in to contain the outbreak and prevent it from spreading to Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda or beyond. She described the affected population as "extremely vulnerable, fragilized by years of communal conflict." Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://X.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://ift.tt/TGiunjm Check our website: https://ift.tt/TY5v6Ag Check out our Instagram page: https://ift.tt/fwBPGjF Download AJE Mobile App: https://ift.tt/LJupwCQ #Ebola #DRC #EbolaOutbreak2026 #WHO #GlobalHealthEmergency #PublicHealth #DRCongo #BundibugyoStrain #Ituri #Goma #Uganda #SouthSudan #Rwanda #M23 #EbolaEpidemic
via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt7oHk0IM_0