The UN refugee agency has warned that millions of people displaced by conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo remain highly vulnerable to Ebola as population movements threaten to accelerate transmission.
More than two million forcibly displaced people, including over 320,000 refugees, are living in areas considered at risk, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
The outbreak has spread across the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, with Ituri accounting for nearly 95% of confirmed infections.
“Fears are growing about population movements into and out of affected areas, and their potential impact on transmission,” UNHCR said on Friday, calling for closer coordination between public health and civilian protection operations.
Congolese health authorities had recorded 896 confirmed cases and 232 deaths across 31 health zones as of late Thursday. Neighbouring Uganda has confirmed 19 cases and two deaths.
Although no refugees have tested positive so far, UNHCR warned that the danger of Ebola spreading among displaced populations remains high.
The agency said around 2,250 people recently fled from Mbau to Oicha in North Kivu because of fears of attacks by armed groups. Mbau is located roughly 20 kilometres from Beni, one of the outbreak’s epicentres.
Repeated displacement and movement between affected communities could make it harder for health teams to trace contacts, isolate suspected cases and deliver treatment.
UNHCR said Ebola was also fuelling fear and misinformation among people already facing violence, insecurity and psychological trauma. Growing mistrust of response teams has delayed access to lifesaving care, while humanitarian services remain severely underfunded.
The agency called for greater engagement with local leaders to counter false information, build public confidence and ensure health measures reflect the realities of communities frequently forced to move.
The International Committee of the Red Cross warned earlier this week that the epidemic was deepening the vulnerability of civilians already affected by armed conflict and other violence.
UNHCR is seeking $14 million to fund Ebola preparedness and response operations between July and November. The money would support displaced people and host communities in Congo and Uganda while strengthening preparedness in Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan.