Johnny Luboya Nkashama, the military governor of Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has described the fight against the local Ebola outbreak as a war for which the region lacks sufficient supplies. Speaking to RFI, Nkashama highlighted critical shortages of food, the prevalence of other diseases, and dangerous overcrowding in affected areas.
Since the outbreak began on May 15, officials have identified over 900 suspected cases and 223 deaths. The World Health Organization has labeled the situation a public health emergency of international concern, noting that the virus is spreading faster than anticipated. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that containment efforts are currently lagging behind the rapid progression of the disease.
Governor Nkashama emphasized the urgent need for qualified medical staff and secure treatment facilities. The situation is complicated by civil unrest, as some relatives have attacked treatment centers while attempting to retrieve the bodies of deceased family members. Ituri has been under military administration since 2021 to counter various armed groups, including the ADF. Nkashama stressed that without immediate mobilization of financial and physical resources, the region faces a catastrophic outcome.
Regional efforts are underway to coordinate a response. Dr. Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa CDC, announced an agreed-upon $319m budget to halt the spread. While South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged $5m, organizers are looking to private sector contributions and international partners to meet the funding gap. The Africa CDC has identified several neighboring countries as being at risk. This particular outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which there is currently no vaccine, though researchers estimate one could be available in nine months.
