MSF Hands Over Ebola Response Activities in Bulape, Democratic Republic of Congo

Strategic Insights -

MSF teams began responding to the Ebola outbreak in Bulape, DRC, in early September, collaborating with local health authorities and WHO to bring the epidemic under control. After several weeks of joint efforts, they handed over all activities at the Ebola treatment centre to the local health authorities, marking a significant milestone in the response. The last confirmed case of Ebola was recorded on 26 September, and with the number of alerts and suspected patients dropping sharply, the epidemic is nearing its end.

Key Takeaways:

  • MSF teams responded to the Ebola outbreak in Bulape, DRC, in early September, working alongside local health authorities and WHO to control the epidemic.
  • The last confirmed case of Ebola was recorded on 26 September, and the number of alerts and suspected patients has dropped sharply since then.
  • The Ebola treatment centre was handed over to the local health authorities, with the last patient cured from the disease being discharged on 19 October.
  • The number of cases recorded during the outbreak was 64, including 53 confirmed and 11 probable cases.
  • Nineteen patients with confirmed infections recovered thanks to the care provided at the Ebola treatment centre.
  • The response to the 16th Ebola outbreak in the DRC benefited from the swift mobilization of authorities, experienced organizations, and local communities.
  • MSF remains ready to support the Congolese authorities again should the epidemic resurface.

Statistics:

  • 64 cases were recorded during the outbreak, including 53 confirmed and 11 probable cases.
  • 19 patients with confirmed infections recovered thanks to the care provided at the Ebola treatment centre.
  • 45 lives were lost during the epidemic, including 34 confirmed cases.
  • The last patient cured from the disease was discharged on 19 October.
  • The response to the epidemic benefited from the collaborative efforts of MSF, MINSA, WHO, and local authorities.

Sources:

  • msf.org
  • WHO press release
  • MINSA press release
  • APO news agency