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WHO faces critical funding gap for Ebola fight
14 Jul
Summary
- WHO has received less than half of needed funds for Ebola.
- Over 1,926 people infected with Ebola, 702 have died.
- Response is at a critical point, cases spread to new provinces.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has received less than half of the $115 million required to combat the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As of Tuesday, the agency has only secured approximately 40% of the necessary funds.
This critical funding shortfall occurs at a pivotal stage of the epidemic, which has infected at least 1,926 people and caused 702 deaths, according to government data. The WHO's head of Health Emergencies Programme, Chikwe Ihekweazu, stressed that the DRC should not bear the burden alone.
Ihekweazu highlighted that the response is at a critical juncture, with intensified efforts needed to detect and isolate patients. This urgency is amplified by the recent spread of cases to two new provinces. He likened the situation to a marathon, emphasizing the need for sustained effort despite exhaustion.
Furthermore, Ihekweazu indicated that the actual number of Ebola cases in Congo is likely significantly higher than official figures, possibly more than double or even quadruple the reported count.
