Kinshasa, DRC — A pressing call for swift and collective action to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been made by Gilles Fagninou, the UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, following his mission to Ituri province.
The epidemic has expanded to five provinces, with 2,111 confirmed cases and 750 deaths as of July 13, 2026. Fagninou’s visit to Ituri underscored the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that the virus can be contained if there is a faster and more collective response.
The challenges are significant, with ongoing conflict, insecurity, population displacement, and limited access hindering the effective response. Despite these difficulties, there are reasons for hope. Fagninou met with a three-month-old infant who had recovered from Ebola and a nine-month-old child who, despite losing both parents, is receiving psychosocial support and protection services.
These children are a testament to the impact of community, government, and partner collaboration in saving lives. UNICEF supports the authorities in four key areas: mobilizing communities, strengthening infection prevention and control, protecting affected children, and providing community-based surveillance. Innovative nurseries set up near Ebola centers, offering a safe space for children while parents are hospitalized, are being encouraged to expand.
The response must also address other emergencies, such as malnutrition, cholera, polio, and forced displacement, while ensuring the continuity of essential services.
An urgent mobilization of resources is called for, as the challenge lies not in the lack of solutions but in the lack of funding to implement them at the required scale. Currently, only 25% of the required funding is available. With the virus progressing, resources are not keeping pace.
Containing this epidemic is within our reach, but it requires strengthened collective action, an accelerated response, and sustained international solidarity alongside the government and affected communities.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: UN Children's Fund
