United Nations warns Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could wreak economic havoc on Africa,possibly costing up to $3.6 billion and causing massive job losses . Since May 15 declaration, Bundibugyo strain has infected 1,307 people and claimed 377 lives, government reports show.
UN Development Programme (UNDP) lays out three scenarios for outbreak's economic impact. In best case, if epidemic stays within DRC and Uganda, cost might hit $1 billion on DRC's GDP. But if virus spreads to neighbors like Rwanda and Angola,situation worsens,with Iran crisis driving fuel costs up . Worst-case could slash continental GDP by $3.6 billion,328,000 jobs lost.
Damien Mama, UNDP's DRC rep, stresses urgency . With enough resources and effort, outbreak could be contained, he says . “If not,this health emergency risks turning into a deeper crisis for region,maybe continent,” he warns.
Ituri province,already conflict-ridden,is outbreak's epicenter,marking DRC's 17th Ebola occurrence. Virus spreads at funerals, where victims' highly infectious bodies handled by family. Aid workers face hurdles in enforcing safe burials due to local mistrust. Funerals can last days,raising transmission risk as mourners touch deceased.
DRC government bans public gatherings in four provinces,including Kinshasa, amid crisis. Ban comes before planned protest against constitutional reform, sparking opposition accusations of political motives.
Though fewer cases reported in Uganda,experts stay alert to virus's potential spread,especially to South Sudan. Situation evolves, with local and international health agencies striving to curb outbreak's effects…
