Health officials are facing critical challenges in responding to the recent Ebola outbreak in southern Congo, primarily due to limited access and insufficient funding, as highlighted by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This outbreak, which marks the first occurrence of Ebola in Kasai province in 18 years, is situated more than 1,000 kilometres from the capital, Kinshasa, in an area known for its poor road infrastructure.
A United Nations peacekeeping helicopter successfully delivered 400 doses of the Ebola vaccine to Bulape, the outbreak’s epicentre, on Friday, with an additional 1,500 doses expected from Kinshasa. WHO’s programme area manager, Patrick Otim, mentioned ongoing struggles to access affected areas but confirmed a partnership with MONUSCO, the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Congo, to enhance efforts.
Since the outbreak was confirmed on September 4, suspected cases have surged from 28 to 68, with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reporting 16 fatalities. The most recent confirmed case is located 70 kilometres from Bulape. Otim expressed concern over potential new cases in other health zones, which would require further resources.
The financial requirements for managing the outbreak are substantial, with WHO estimating a cost of US$20 million (A$30.1 million) over the next three months. In contrast, Congo’s national response plan has been pegged at US$78 million (A$117.4 million). A significant worry for health officials has been the impact of recent cuts to U.S. funding that historically supported efforts against infectious diseases in Congo.
To safeguard public health, vaccination efforts are prioritising health workers, especially as at least four confirmed cases involve these frontline providers. Mathias Mossoko, Congo’s Ebolas response coordinator, emphasised the importance of protecting healthcare staff to maintain adequate care for the general population. So far, more than 600 contacts of suspected cases have been traced, with only one confirmed infected individual, suggesting a low immediate risk of broader disease spread. Mossoko also mentioned that it is premature to declare a public health emergency at this stage.
In support of the response efforts, the medical charity Doctors Without Borders has been active in the area, collaborating with the WHO to set up an Ebola treatment centre at Bulape hospital. They have reinforced triage protocols, supplied essential medicines and personal protective equipment, and provided training in infection prevention and control.
The situation remains critical, and the collective effort of local and international organisations is vital to managing the outbreak effectively.