Hussaini Ibrahim 
NEW YORK – United Nations agencies have intensified emergency operations to contain a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo as infections rise across urban centres and neighbouring Uganda.
The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, has already killed 139 people and triggered nearly 600 suspected cases in the DRC, while Uganda has confirmed two infections.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric says humanitarian and peacekeeping teams are expanding logistics and medical support in affected communities.
“Our humanitarian and peacekeeping colleagues are continuing to support the government’s efforts regarding the fast-spreading outbreak of Ebola,” Dujarric says during a briefing in New York.
The UN says MONUSCO has deployed ambulances, helicopters, armoured vehicles and motorcycles to support emergency teams in Ituri Province, the outbreak’s epicentre.
Cases have also spread to Goma, Butembo and Katwa in North Kivu Province, raising fears of wider transmission in densely populated urban centres.
The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, although it says the crisis has not yet reached pandemic status.
UNICEF warns that children remain highly vulnerable to infection, trauma and disruption of essential services.
The agency says it has delivered nearly 50 tonnes of emergency supplies, including disinfectants, protective equipment and water purification tablets.
Meanwhile, the World Food Programme is transporting aid workers and medical supplies to remote communities while providing food support to affected households.
The UN says worsening insecurity, displacement and restricted humanitarian access continue to complicate efforts to contain the outbreak.
About the Author
Otamere Gladness 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Oluwatobi Adu