DR Congo Ituri Province Governor Warns Ebola Outbreak Demands Urgent International Aid

Governor Johnny Luboya Nkashama of the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri province, identified as the epicentre of the current Ebola outbreak, has characterised the containment efforts as a 'war' for which adequate resources are lacking. He told French broadcaster RFI that affected populations are not receiving sufficient food, compounded by issues of 'other diseases' and 'overcrowding'.

Nkashama appealed for a 'swift response', including bolstering staff capacity to prevent Ituri 'from descending into catastrophe'. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern, noting the disease may be spreading faster than initially estimated. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated responders were 'playing catch-up' with the escalating outbreak.

Ebola has also been reported in DR Congo's North and South Kivu provinces, alongside seven confirmed cases in neighbouring Uganda. Nkashama underscored the immediate need for 'qualified personnel' and 'secure treatment centres', citing instances where frustrated relatives have targeted existing centres in attempts to claim bodies. He reiterated, 'Our existing resources were dedicated to the war, and this second war that is now upon us demands even more.'

Ituri has been under military administration since 2021, a measure implemented to counter numerous armed groups, including the Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Nkashama further stressed the necessity of mobilising financial resources: 'The more time we lose, the closer we come to disaster.'

In response, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) held discussions with health ministers from DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan to finalise cross-border coordination. Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya announced an agreed budget of $319 million to halt the outbreak's spread, with 10% secured from affected nations. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged an initial $5 million. Africa CDC has cautioned that ten other African countries are at risk.

This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in DR Congo since 1976 and only the third worldwide involving the rare Bundibugyo species, for which no vaccines or medications are currently available, though development is underway. The WHO anticipates a vaccine could take up to nine months to become ready.