The UN is rushing emergency personnel, funding and supplies into eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to counter the fast-growing Ebola outbreak spreading through conflict-ravaged provinces.
The UN World Health Organization ( WHO ) on Friday raised the national risk assessment for DRC to "very high" - although the global risk remains "low".
So far, 82 cases and seven deaths have been confirmed in DRC, but WHO says the real scale of the outbreak is likely far larger, with nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths reported.
The outbreak is unfolding amid intensified fighting, mass displacement and deep mistrust of outside authorities, fuelled by rumours and misinformation.
One hospital in Ituri province on Thursday was set on fire by angry relatives after authorities refused to release the body of a deceased family member, fearing contamination, according to reports.
How the UN system is responding
- WHO raises Ebola risk in DRC to "very high"; regional risk remains "high" and global risk "low".
- WHO deploys 22 international staff; UNICEF sends emergency response team to Bunia.
- Health teams support contact tracing, treatment centres, risk communication and community engagement.
- UN relief chief allocates up to $60 million for the response in DRC and neighbouring countries; WHO releases $3.9 million
- WHO and Africa CDC establish a continental incident management support team.
- MONUSCO airlifts nearly 30 tons of emergency supplies - including medicines, tents and protective equipment.
- The UN peacekeeping mission also runs an air bridge and deploys vehicles to strengthen logistics.
- WHO and partners prepare clinical trials for experimental Ebola treatments and potential vaccines targeting the Bundibugyo strain.
- Red Cross volunteers carry out door-to-door awareness campaigns and mobilise safe and dignified burial teams.
