Ebola health workers in Congo
KINSHASA, Nov 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Three health workers fighting to curb the spread of the Ebola virus in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo have been killed and four others critically injured after an attack by armed groups in the restive Ituri province.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), tweeted about the incidents in the Biakato Mines and Mangina response centres:
“Attacks by armed groups in Biakato Mines and Mangina in #DRC have resulted in deaths and injuries amongst #Ebola responders. We are heartbroken that our worst fears have been realised. Our focus is caring for the wounded and ensuring staff at other locations are safe.”
The WHO regional head Dr Matshidiso Moeti also tweeted about the attacks:
“I’m deeply saddened by the two attacks on #Ebola responders in Biakato Mines and Mangina in the #DRC. The situation is still ongoing but we understand there have been deaths and injuries. We are doing everything possible to care for the injured and bring our staff to safety.”
On Tuesday, the WHO said it was relocating 49 staff after crowds attacked a UN base in the town of Beni accusing UN forces of not protecting them from rebel attacks.
Ebola responders have previously been targeted by militias and people who do not believe the fatal virus is real and also have deep suspicion about how the vaccine is administered.
A few weeks ago a journalist who was raising awareness about Ebola in the north-eastern province of Ituri was killed and his house burnt down.
DR Congo is experiencing the world’s second-worst Ebola epidemic on record, which has killed more than 2,000 people and infected over 3,000.
The outbreak is affecting North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri provinces, which are already riven by violence perpetrated by militias operating there.
In July, the WHO said the situation there was a “public health emergency of international concern”. — NNN-AGENCIES:
