Red Cross: DRC Ebola Outbreak May Last a Year

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has warned that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) may last for up to a year. As of May 15, there have been 808 confirmed cases, including 192 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.

The outbreak is centered in Bunia, Ituri province, and has not yet reached its peak, as stated by Bruno Michon, IFRC's operational manager for the Ebola outbreak. The response to the outbreak is hampered by a dire lack of testing capacity, making it difficult to ascertain the full extent of the epidemic.

The IFRC emphasizes the need for significant investment in community engagement to build trust, which is crucial for effective outbreak management. Local Red Cross volunteers have faced verbal abuse and threats while carrying out their work, highlighting the challenges in gaining community trust necessary for early case detection and safe burials.