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Ebola Turnaround: WHO Aims for 3-Month Control
13 Aug
Summary
- WHO targets a three-month turnaround to control Ebola spread.
- Ebola outbreak has confirmed 4,499 cases with 2,061 deaths.
- WHO aims for 95% contact tracing and 3,000 treatment beds.
The World Health Organization has set a goal to reverse the current Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo within three months. This critical turnaround hinges on a simultaneous response across five transmission zones. The outbreak, which originated in the Ituri province, has become the fastest-spreading Ebola epidemic on record.
As of the WHO's announcement, the epidemic had resulted in 4,499 confirmed cases and 2,061 fatalities. The UN health agency stressed that while controlling transmission is achievable in three months, surveillance must continue to prevent any resurgence of the deadly virus.
The WHO chief identified improving contact tracing as a priority, aiming to increase follow-up rates from around 80 percent to 95 percent. Concurrently, treatment capacity is being tripled, with a target of establishing 3,000 beds within the next 12 weeks to manage the escalating crisis.
