As the Ebola virus spreads rapidly across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, African health officials have warned that the situation in the affected areas is becoming increasingly alarming, and the country’s fragile healthcare system is unable to fully respond to the crisis.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced that at least 177 people have died from Ebola so far. Health authorities say the actual number of victims is likely higher than the officially recorded figures. The World Health Organization has also reported more than 900 suspected Ebola cases in Congo.
The spread of this deadly disease, particularly in eastern Congo, has placed enormous pressure on poorly equipped hospitals and clinics. Many healthcare facilities are facing severe shortages of doctors, protective equipment, and basic medical supplies, making them unable to cope with the growing number of patients.
At one hospital in the city of Bunia, healthcare workers are caring for patients without gloves or sufficient protective gear. Reports also indicate that several healthcare workers themselves have contracted the Ebola virus. Cuts in international financial aid have further forced some medical centers to dismiss social workers and psychologists.
Alongside the health crisis, insecurity and attacks by armed groups have made efforts to contain the disease even more difficult. Reports suggest that recent attacks by ISIS-affiliated militants near infected areas have killed several civilians and limited health teams’ access to affected regions.
Health officials say the lack of public trust in medical teams and the continuation of traditional burial ceremonies are increasing the risk of further transmission. According to them, the bodies of Ebola victims are highly infectious, and direct contact with them can spread the virus.
Meanwhile, Uganda and Rwanda have partially closed their borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and imposed restrictions on cross-border movement to prevent the disease from spreading.
Experts warn that ongoing conflict, poverty, and weak healthcare infrastructure are creating serious challenges for containing Ebola. They emphasize that if the current situation continues, the number of deaths and the spread of the disease are likely to increase further.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
