WHO Chief Visits Ebola-Hit DRC, Calls for International Support

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived today in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak, calling on the international community to provide more aid to curb the spread of the deadly Ebola virus. According to AFP, Tedros told reporters in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, that the international community is assisting the DRC government in responding to the outbreak. However, he added that there is a need to build 'community ownership,' including overcoming 'distrust' and misinformation, and that increased financial aid from other countries is required. He stated, 'We are here to discuss with the community, understand the progress of the response, and provide assistance when challenges are encountered.' Later, at a press conference, he addressed the residents of Ituri province: 'You are not alone. We are here, fighting alongside you, and we will get through this difficult time together.' This highly contagious hemorrhagic fever has currently appeared in three eastern provinces of the DRC and neighboring Uganda. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) stated on the 28th that since the outbreak was announced on May 15, there have been at least 1,077 suspected cases of Ebola in the DRC, including 246 deaths. Additionally, 9 confirmed cases have appeared in Uganda, with 1 death.