The World Health Organization has warned that ongoing fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is severely disrupting efforts to contain an Ebola outbreak, creating what it called a “catastrophic collision” of disease and conflict.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said health teams cannot build trust or isolate patients while violence continues in Ituri province, where most cases have been reported. He urged an immediate ceasefire to allow humanitarian workers safe access.
Authorities say the outbreak has led to around 220 suspected deaths, with only a small number confirmed through laboratory tests. Aid organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières, say they are facing serious difficulties responding because of insecurity in affected areas, poor road access, and large-scale displacement that is pushing already vulnerable people into overcrowded camps.
As concerns grow about the risk of cross-border spread, several countries including Uganda, Canada, the Bahamas, and the United States have introduced travel restrictions. Health officials are racing to trace thousands of contacts as quickly as possible, while also warning that this outbreak is caused by a rare strain of Ebola for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment.
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