Latest data show 1,077 suspected cases, 246 suspected deaths in Congo,
Eight confirmed cases in Uganda
Africa CDC has warned that big cuts in donor funding are putting the continent’s Ebola response at risk. The agency is calling for urgent support as financial pledges continue to fall.
Director-General Jean Kaseya said in a virtual press briefing that nearly $500 million was pledged at the start of the week, but by midweek, this had dropped to about $290 million after several donors withdrew or reduced their pledges.
“People are dying! How can we come and say: we commit Z million dollars, and the next day they are calling me to say no, it was a mistake?” Kaseya said.
The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, has led the World Health Organisation to declare a public health emergency.
The latest data show 1,077 suspected cases and 246 suspected deaths in Congo, and eight confirmed cases in Uganda.
Kaseya criticized global health organizations for focusing on development programs instead of emergency disease response, even though they have billions in reserves. He praised the World Bank and African Development Bank for redirecting funds to help contain the outbreak.
Health authorities are facing more challenges, such as shortages of basic supplies and mistrust in communities because of past outbreaks. At the same time, governments have increased travel restrictions. The United States has temporarily banned travelers from Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, a decision Kaseya questioned since South Sudan has not reported any Ebola cases.
Ebola is a severe and often deadly disease that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. It continues to spread, and there are concerns that without enough funding, efforts to contain it could fail. Kaseya warned, “We cannot afford to stop this outbreak without resources.” He urged all donors to act now, saying that more funding is essential to prevent more deaths and stop Ebola from spreading further across the continent.
