Arabic version: تحذير من رئيس منظمة الصحة العالمية بشأن تصاعد أزمة الإيبولا في وسط أفريقيا

The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has issued a stark warning regarding the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, stating that the situation is rapidly outpacing health response efforts. According to ABC News, the death toll has now reached 220, with the outbreak primarily affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

In an address to the African Union, Dr. Tedros highlighted the challenges faced by health responders, noting that delays in detecting Ebola cases have resulted in a situation where authorities are “playing catch-up.” He indicated that the epidemic is likely to worsen before improvements can be seen. Dr. Tedros is scheduled to visit the DRC on Tuesday alongside Chikwe Ihekweazu, a senior WHO official responsible for addressing health emergencies.

Recent reports from Uganda indicated an increase in confirmed Ebola cases, bringing the total to seven. Dr. Tedros emphasized the high risk for countries bordering the DRC and urged them to take immediate action to prevent further spread.

The situation is further complicated by violence in the DRC, particularly in the Ituri and North Kivu provinces, where health facilities have come under attack. Attacks on health facilities have already been reported, with at least three incidents occurring in Ituri, including a recent assault that allowed patients to flee. This violence recalls similar occurrences during the 2018-2020 outbreak, which claimed the lives of over 25 health workers.

Dr. Richard Lokodu, medical director of the Mongbwalu General Referral Hospital, noted that local skepticism regarding the outbreak is contributing to the challenges faced by health authorities. Many in the community are reluctant to accept the reality of the disease, complicating efforts to manage the crisis effectively.