GENEVA, Aug 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that his agency is struggling to contain the latest Ebola outbreak in the province of Ecuador, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Speaking to journalists in Geneva, Tedros said WHO is concerned by reports of 86 cases reported in the central African country.
According to him, although the geographical spread of the epidemic is vast, with many areas accessible only by helicopter or boat, 100 WHO officials are working with the Ministry of Health, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations and other partners to eradicate the infection.
In addition, he said, WHO released USD 2.5 million from its emergency fund and the regional emergency response fund to support immediate needs.
To contain the epidemic, WHO needs additional funds and is working with neighboring provinces and countries to strengthen preparedness, he said.
“It’s not just about a country’s health security,” said Tedros, adding that “it’s about global health security.”
“Whether it is covid-19, Ebola or other high-impact epidemics, we need to be ready and respond quickly,” said Tedros. — NNN-AGENCIES
