The World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva warned about the critical health situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to reports, the country is facing over 10,000 cases of Ebola and 5,000 deaths due to this disease. Tedros Adhanom previously mentioned the worsening health crisis in this country during a press conference at the organization's headquarters in Geneva, stating that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently experiencing the worst cholera outbreak in several decades.
Cholera Situation and Human Challenges
Tedros Adhanom further stated that over 60,000 cases of cholera and 1,800 deaths have been recorded since the beginning of this year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He believes that armed conflicts are one of the main factors contributing to the spread of cholera in this country, as these conflicts have led to the destruction of infrastructure, damage to water and sanitation networks, and worsened humanitarian conditions and displacement of people.
Need for Vaccination and Security Challenges
Tedros also pointed out the existing limitations in vaccine supply in recent years, stating that this has led to low vaccination coverage in affected areas. He called for increased vaccination campaigns, especially in the North Kivu and South Kivu regions. Although the Ebola outbreak has decreased in some areas, the emergence of new outbreak points poses a risk of its spread. Tedros emphasized that the security and humanitarian challenges that hinder disease containment efforts continue to persist.
Tedros also announced that Ebola has spread to other countries, with Kenya reporting 9 cases and 2 deaths, and Nigeria with one confirmed case among these countries. He appreciated the swift and transparent response of both countries to the Ebola outbreak.
