Health authorities sound the alarm as 35 deaths linked to new Ebola outbreak
Region records its first Ebola outbreak in 18 years
- A new Ebola outbreak in southern Congo's Kasai province has resulted in 57 cases and 35 deaths since its declaration on 4 September, with a fatality rate exceeding 60 per cent.
- Health authorities and aid organisations are raising alarms over a critical lack of funds and resources to effectively contain the outbreak, which is the first in the region for 18 years.
- The World Health Organisation estimates a need for around $20 million to respond to the outbreak over the next three months, while the current national response plan is estimated at $78 million, far exceeding current available funds.
- Organisations like the IFRC have appealed for 20 million Swiss francs ($25 million) to support the response, highlighting overwhelmed health facilities and shortages of essential supplies and personnel.
- Logistical challenges, including difficulties in vaccine transport and reaching remote communities, are hindering the response efforts, with only 1,740 people vaccinated in the area as of 21 September.