At a news conference in Geneva, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that, more than a month after the outbreak, Frontline responders have expanded care and testing at an unprecedented pace, but conditions on the ground remain difficult..
“It is encouraging to see that since the outbreak was first reported five weeks ago, the response has increased significantly,” he said.
In just over a month, treatment capacity has increased from less than 10 beds to more than 500 in 19 health centers, while laboratory testing capacity has increased from 30 tests daily in the capital Kinshasa to more than 2,000 tests each day in nine laboratories in three provinces.
Early diagnosis
Tedros said communities are increasingly seeking information and assistance to stay safe.
“More and more communities are becoming aware of the risks of Ebola and requesting tools and support to protect themselves.“, said.
So far, more than 100 people have recovered, offering hope that early diagnosis and supportive care can save lives.
But the magnitude of the need remains immense. “Now there is 1,094 confirmed cases, with 277 deaths“Tedros said. “The outbreak continues to advance rapidly.”
Meanwhile, neighboring Uganda has reported 20 confirmed cases and two confirmed deaths.
New treatments
WHO and its partners are preparing to launch a clinical trial next week in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to test whether two antiviral treatments, MBP134 and remdesivir, can reduce mortality from Bundibugyo virus disease.
“We could save many more lives with therapies,” Tedros said.
Communities are being actively consulted and informed about the trial process, and plans are in place to ensure that affected populations can access the treatment if it proves effective.
Improving access
Beyond medicine, however, health officials warned that Humanitarian conditions continue to undermine the response.
Tedros highlighted that political action is urgently needed to improve humanitarian access and allow health teams to reach people in affected areas.
“Political advocacy and action are essential to create the conditions for greater humanitarian access and expanded response.“, said.
Risks faced by first responders
Health workers themselves have paid a high price. On Wednesday, an aid worker in France from the medical NGO ALIMA tested positive for Ebola after returning from treating patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Nearly 80 healthcare workers have been infected during the outbreak. “This case is a reminder of the risks frontline responders face,” Tedros said.
WHO urges countries to support safe deployment measures for aid personnel, including improved risk communication, infection prevention and evacuation preparation.
Despite isolated international cases linked to the outbreak, the agency maintains that the overall risk to the rest of the world remains low.
Obstacles persist
Significant obstacles remain within the affected region: contact tracing remains insufficient, treatment centers are under pressure, safe and dignified burials remain difficult, border closures continue to slow operations, and repeated security incidents complicate access.
The outbreak is unfolding against the backdrop of what Tedros described as a decades-long humanitarian crisis.
Earlier this month, WHO and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a joint continental preparedness and response plan requesting $518 million to strengthen efforts in affected areas and neighboring countries.
With updated funding data expected next week, aid agencies hope the international response will match the urgency felt by communities still facing one of the region’s most serious public health emergencies.
