Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have climbed past 1,500 after health authorities reported more than 40 new infections, as the country battles an outbreak that has spread across multiple eastern provinces.
The death toll has risen to 473 since the outbreak was declared on May 15, according to a Health Ministry situation report released Saturday.
The outbreak remains focused in 34 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, where more than 11,000 contacts are under surveillance.
Authorities said 213 people have recovered, while 628 patients remain in treatment.
The ministry said response teams are continuing to strengthen community outreach efforts, particularly in Ituri, where resistance from some communities has complicated containment measures.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention held a high-level meeting in Kinshasa earlier this week to coordinate political leadership, partner support and resources behind the response.
Speaking at the forum on Thursday, President Felix Tshisekedi called for stronger continental solidarity and greater investment in Africa’s health systems to respond more effectively to epidemics.
Africa CDC said donors and partners have pledged $910 million to support the Ebola response in Congo and neighbouring Uganda, where 20 cases have been reported.
The World Health Organization declared the Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17, two days after Congo announced the outbreak.