Before his arrival, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on armed groups to declare a ceasefire so that health workers can reach the people and stop the spread of the disease.
Since May 15, UN agencies have been supporting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring Uganda to contain the outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is no treatment.
As of Wednesday, there were 105 confirmed cases and 10 confirmed deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while Uganda reported seven confirmed cases and one confirmed death.
‘We are committed’
In a message addressed to the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly those in the province of Ituri, the epicenter of the crisis, Tedros underlined the solidarity of the WHO.
“We are working under the leadership of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, together with all relevant partners, united around one goal: to stop this outbreak and protect your communities,” he wrote.
“Nobody works alone. No one works at cross purposes. We are coordinated, we are committed and we are here.”
Similar challenges
This marks the The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing Ebola for the 17th time since the virus was first discovered in 1976.. The largest outbreak, which spread across the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri, took place between 2018 and 2020.
“Ebola is not new to me personally,” Tedros said, as during that epidemic he made 14 visits to North Kivu, the epicenter of that particular outbreak, “one of the most complex in history.”
It took place in the midst of an armed conflict that caused displacement and interrupted supply routes, with “health workers operating under constant threat.” At the same time, “the mistrust was deep,” he recalled.
Heavy cargo in Ituri
Tedros noted that those challenges are not so different today in Ituri, where about 90 percent of cases have been reported, with lower numbers in the Kivus. He highlighted the burden borne by the people of the province.
“I know many of you are exhausted,” he wrote. “You already have a lot going on: malaria, hunger, insecurity and the daily struggle to keep your families safe.. And now Ebola. It’s not fair and I won’t pretend otherwise.”
He highlighted the vital role of young people, urging them to talk to their friends and family and share what they know about Ebola in an effort to “help break the fear and silence that allows this virus to spread.”
A UNICEF water and sanitation expert explains Ebola prevention measures to students at a primary school in Bunia, Ituri, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Support for health workers.
Tedros also had a message for Ituri’s health workers, who are “the backbone of this response.” WHO supports them and is working to get them the support they need.
He recognized the regional instability, where “conflict and displacement make everything more difficultincluding reaching people who need care and keeping healthcare workers safe.”
Speaking candidly, Tedros said that “this is one of our biggest challenges. We cannot do this work if those trying to help are prevented from doing so or put in danger,” adding that WHO is working closely with all relevant partners to reach communities.
Ceasefire call
“That is why today I make a direct appeal to all parties to the conflict in this region: please declare a ceasefire. Even if it is briefly. Even if it is long enough to let health workers through,” he said.
“People are dying from Ebola who don’t have to die. Children are sick. Families are suffering. No cause, no conflict, no grievance is worth condemning innocent people to die from a preventable disease.”
He stressed that “a ceasefire, even temporary, would save lives. I urge you, I implore you: give us the space to help the people who need it most.”
Anger and distrust
Tedros also addressed the issue of anger and distrust in some communities and said he understands why.
“Trust must be earned, it cannot be assumed,” he stated. “We haven’t always done things correctly. But I promise you, we are here to learn as much as we are here to help..”
He explained that most of the previous Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were caused by the Zaire strain of the virus, which can be treated.
“There is a lot we can do together”
Although there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments available for the Bundibugyo strain, “there is much we can do together to prevent the spread of this virus and save lives,” he insisted.
“Early supportive care in our treatment centers can make a real difference,” she said. “Acting early can mean the difference between life and death. And everything we do, we do with you.”
Tedros noted that WHO teams are already on the ground and will remain there as long as necessary.
“And when this outbreak is over, we will not quietly disappear,” he said. “We will not forget you. We will stay and continue working with you to build health systems that protect every person in every community.”
