The military governor of the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri province, the epicenter of the current Ebola outbreak, has likened the struggle to contain the virus to a war for which they lack resources.
Johnny Luboya Nkashama told RFI that affected areas face food shortages, other diseases, and overcrowding. He called for a swift response to prevent catastrophe.
Officials report more than 900 suspected cases and 223 deaths since the outbreak was declared on May 15.
The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern, warning the disease may be spreading faster than thought. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said responders are playing catch-up.
Ebola has also been reported in North and South Kivu provinces and neighboring Uganda, with seven confirmed cases there.
Angry relatives targeting treatment centers have complicated efforts. Nkashama urged the deployment of qualified personnel and secure treatment centers.
Ituri has been under military rule since 2021 to neutralize armed groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces. The governor stressed the need for financial resources: "The more time we lose, the closer we come to disaster."
Africa CDC met with health ministers from DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan to finalize cross-border coordination. Dr. Jean Kaseya announced a $319 million budget to stop the spread, with 10% secured.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged $5 million. Africa CDC warned Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia are at risk.
This is the 17th Ebola outbreak in DR Congo since 1976 and only the third worldwide of the rare Bundibugyo species, for which there are no vaccines or medications yet. The WHO said a vaccine could take up to nine months.