New Ebola outbreak in southern Congo has claimed dozens of lives, with health authorities warning of urgent funding shortages. The World Health Organization reported 57 cases and 35 deaths since Sept. 4, giving the outbreak a staggering 61% fatality rate.
Kasai province, where the outbreak began, has not seen Ebola in 18 years and suffers from poor roads and remote communities. Susan Nzisa Mbalu of the International Red Cross urged donors to act swiftly, warning that vulnerable populations face mounting risk.
The IFRC is appealing for 20 million Swiss francs ($25 million) to reach nearly one million people with life-saving aid. Health facilities are overwhelmed, with protective equipment and clean water running critically low, while treatment centres exceed safe capacity.
Bulape’s only Ebola treatment centre is operating at 119% capacity, forcing medical staff to confront impossible logistical and medical challenges. U.S. funding cuts have hampered response efforts, despite past contributions of millions through USAID to Congo’s Ebola campaigns.
Current funding for the outbreak includes $2 million from WHO emergency reserves and $2.3 million from the U.K., Germany, and Gavi. WHO estimates the full three-month response will require $20 million, far exceeding current resources and threatening containment efforts.
Vaccination efforts have begun but are slow due to storage limits, difficult terrain, and the challenge of reaching remote communities. Chief medical officers called for ambulances, motorcycles, medicine, and protective equipment to prevent further spread among farmers and villagers.
Authorities estimate the national response will cost $78 million, reflecting the enormous resources required to treat even a single Ebola patient. Health workers stress immediate international support is essential to protect lives and prevent this outbreak from spiralling into a wider humanitarian crisis.