$518 million will be allocated to combat the Ebola epidemic.
In Congo, 71 new cases were identified in a single day, which officials assessed as a sign of "active community transmission."
As the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus continues to spread in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the number of confirmed cases in the country has reached 488, while the death toll has risen to 86. This was reported by the AP, citing the country's health authorities in a report.
According to official data, 71 new cases were recorded in a single day on Thursday. Experts assess this as an alarming indicator, signaling that the disease is actively spreading among the population.
In neighboring Uganda, 19 confirmed cases related to Ebola and two deaths have also been recorded.
As noted by World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the epidemic had been spreading undetected for several weeks. Due to the lack of capabilities to identify this specific strain of the Ebola virus in hospitals in the region, the disease has spread more widely.
There is currently no confirmed vaccine or specific treatment method for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. Nevertheless, the Congolese government has reported that at least five patients have recovered since the epidemic was officially confirmed.
Against the backdrop of the escalating situation, the World Health Organization has announced the launch of an international plan worth $518 million to curb the spread of Ebola. According to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, bringing the disease under control depends on political will, sustainable funding, as well as the trust and cooperation of the local population.
Experts note that the security situation in eastern Congo is also negatively impacting the fight against the epidemic. In particular, clashes between government forces and the M23 rebel group, as well as armed attacks, are complicating the delivery of aid and the organization of medical services.
