World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) launched a $518 million plan to tackle Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda . Announced Friday by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,this initiative runs June to November, covering emergency coordination,surveillance,testing,infection prevention,clinical care,community engagement.
Situation keeps worsening. DRC reports 381 infections,64 deaths since outbreak declared May 15 . Uganda also sees uptick: three new cases Friday,bringing tally to 19,including two deaths. The rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus has been spreading quietly for some time.
In media briefing, Tedros voiced hope that WHO-Africa CDC efforts will control outbreak. “Objective is clear: stop outbreak where it is,support responding countries,ensure neighbors ready to detect,act quickly if cases appear,” he said. Plan is straightforward,outlining immediate actions to contain outbreak,prevent further spread.
This outbreak more extensive than previous Bundibugyo strain cases in 2007 and 2012 . Research ongoing for three potential vaccines,none approved yet for this strain.
Meanwhile,tensions rise in Kenya. U.S. setting up Ebola quarantine station for citizens,though Kenya has no Ebola cases . Protests erupted in Nanyuki,near Laikipia Air Base . Demonstrators against facility housing Americans infected abroad. Protests turned violent this week,two dead,injuries reported.
Kenya’s President William Ruto backed quarantine center,stressing its role in health partnership with U.S. Regional concerns grow as countries deal with Ebola outbreak and necessary public health measures. What comes next…
