The World Health Organization warns the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is outpacing the response, with transmission still accelerating.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported 2,273 cases and 796 deaths since the outbreak began. He noted the 2018-2019 DRC outbreak took ten months to reach 2,000 cases.
More than 80 percent of new infections are being detected outside known contact lists, indicating widespread community transmission. Armed conflict is also hampering operations, including a recent attack on an Ebola treatment center in Bunia.
Despite the challenges, treatment capacity has grown to over 800 beds, and laboratory capacity has expanded. Tedros emphasized that with early diagnosis and safe care, the disease can be survived and stopped.
In neighboring Uganda, progress is encouraging. The country's last confirmed Ebola patient was discharged, starting the 42-day countdown to declare the outbreak over. Uganda has reported 20 cases and two deaths.
A significant funding gap threatens the continental response. The WHO and Africa CDC's joint plan faces a shortfall of more than $400 million. UNICEF also warns that only 25 percent of its required funding is available.