DRC's neighbors boost preparedness as Ebola cases surge

What the report says

DW reports that countries bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo are increasing Ebola preparedness as the DRC faces a widening outbreak. Uganda, Rwanda and Zambia have expanded border health checks, surveillance, training for front-line workers and emergency response planning to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission. The DRC Health Ministry said Monday that at least 930 people have died, with 2,344 recorded cases of the Bundibugyo strain since the outbreak was declared on May 15.

Zambia has not confirmed any Ebola cases, according to DW, but officials said entry-point screening and infection-prevention measures have been reinforced. Uganda has also stepped up monitoring near its DRC border, with health officials identifying Kisoro, Kanungu and Rukungiri as especially exposed because of their location. Rwanda has strengthened screening at crossings, broadened disease surveillance and prepared rapid response teams for suspected cases.

The East African Community is coordinating with Africa CDC, the World Health Organization and other partners on laboratory capacity, surveillance, risk communication and emergency response. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the outbreak may be much larger than official figures show because cases are being missed in conflict-affected areas, and he appealed for donor support to close a funding gap of more than $400 million for a joint preparedness and response plan.

DW notes that eastern DRC’s conflict, displacement and insecurity are hampering case detection, contact tracing and treatment. The country has faced repeated Ebola outbreaks since the virus was identified there in 1976, but health experts cited by DW said violence and mistrust make this episode particularly difficult to control. There is currently no known vaccine for Bundibugyo.