Ebola Outbreak in Congo: Health Authorities Sound the Alarm over Funding and Resource Shortages

Strategic Insights -

Congo has reported a new Ebola outbreak, with 57 cases and 35 deaths since September 4. The World Health Organization has warned that health facilities are overwhelmed and lack resources, including clean water and protective equipment. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is appealing for 20 million Swiss francs ($25 million) to contain the outbreak and provide urgent assistance to 965,000 people.

Key Takeaways:

  • The World Health Organization has reported 57 cases and 35 deaths since the outbreak was announced on September 4, with a fatality rate of over 61%.
  • The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is appealing for 20 million Swiss francs ($25 million) to contain the outbreak and provide urgent assistance to 965,000 people.
  • Health facilities are overwhelmed and lack resources, including clean water and protective equipment, with the only treatment centre in the Bulape health zone at 119% capacity.
  • The World Health Organization has estimated that the outbreak response will require around $20 million over the next three months, while the current funding is just $2.3 million from the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Kundus Citizens Fund.
  • Treating Ebola demands "enormous resources", with just 1,740 people vaccinated in three health zones of Kasai province as of September 21, despite the zone having a population of over 212,000.

Statistics:

  • 57 cases and 35 deaths reported since September 4
  • 61% fatality rate
  • 20 million Swiss francs ($25 million) appealed by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to contain the outbreak
  • 965,000 people to be reached with urgent assistance
  • $2.3 million current funding for the outbreak response from the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Kundus Citizens Fund
  • Estimated cost of the outbreak response over the next three months: $20 million
  • 1,740 people vaccinated in three health zones of Kasai province as of September 21
  • Population of the Bulape health zone: over 212,000

Sources:

  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
  • Associated Press (AP)
  • United Nations (UN) 2020 figures
  • Kundus Citizens Fund
  • United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • Gates Foundation
  • AP's for working with philanthropies