WHO: DRC Ebola Response Underfunded, Urgent Support Needed

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has received only 40% of the $115 million required to address the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the eastern region of the country. The agency expressed concern over the continued spread of the disease and urged international donors not to abandon the DRC at this critical stage of the response effort.

The outbreak, which began in Bundibugyo, has resulted in at least 1,926 infections and 702 deaths. Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, head of the WHO's health emergency program, emphasized the need for stronger international support, stating that the resources must match the scale of the challenges faced.

He noted that the outbreak requires intensified efforts to detect, isolate, and manage cases to prevent further spread of the virus, particularly in the Ituri Province, which is the worst affected area.