WASHINGTON, D.C. — RENEWED fighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is disrupting efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak, as violence in the northeastern province of Ituri forces thousands of people from their homes and increases humanitarian needs in already vulnerable communities.
The United Nations reported that at least 19 civilians had been killed in armed clashes in and around the village of Muganga, in Djugu Territory, since Sunday.
Speaking during a media briefing, UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said more than 25,000 people, including women and children, had fled to neighbouring Mahagi Territory. Many are sheltering in displacement sites, where they urgently need food, healthcare and other essential services.
The displacement is creating additional challenges for the Ebola response. Population movements and restricted humanitarian access are complicating efforts to engage communities, monitor the spread of the disease and deliver life-saving health services.
National health authorities have reported more than 10,100 confirmed Ebola cases and over 4,900 deaths, according to the figures provided.
Despite the security challenges, the United Nations and its partners continue to support the Ebola response while delivering emergency assistance and protection to communities affected by violence and displacement.
The UN has called on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, respect international humanitarian law, and ensure that humanitarian organisations can reach people in need safely, rapidly and without obstruction.
The situation highlights the difficulties of containing a deadly disease outbreak in an area where insecurity and mass displacement can interrupt access to healthcare and other essential services.
Meanwhile, Health and other sectoral experts from across Africa are meeting in Juba this week to strengthen South Sudan’s One Health coordination and preparedness for bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), according to information released by the organisers.
The workshop, running from October 28 to 30, brings together representatives from the human health, veterinary, wildlife and environmental sectors to improve coordination and strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to health threats that may affect people, animals and the environment.
Participants are using the Multisectoral Coordination Mechanism Operational Tool (MCM-OT) to review and update the national action plan while working to establish stronger coordination structures at state and county levels.
The One Health approach recognises that human, animal and environmental health are closely interconnected. Effective coordination among these sectors can help countries identify potential threats earlier, improve preparedness and strengthen responses to disease outbreaks.
