The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) surpassed 1,500 on Friday, with more than 40 new infections reported, according to official data. The death toll has risen to 473 since the outbreak was declared on May 15, as per a health ministry situation update released on Saturday.
Outbreak Concentration and Monitoring
The outbreak remains concentrated in 34 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. Over 11,000 contacts are being monitored. Health authorities reported 213 recoveries, while 628 patients remain under care.
The ministry stated that community mobilization capacities continue to be strengthened amid community resistance, particularly in Ituri province.
High-Level Meeting and Pledges
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) convened a high-level meeting in Kinshasa earlier this week to align political leadership, partners, and resources behind supporting the DRC faster and protecting the region. Speaking at the forum on Thursday, President Felix Tshisekedi emphasized the need for solidarity and strengthening the African continent's health capacities for an effective response to epidemics.
Donors and partners have pledged $910 million to support the Ebola response in the DRC and Uganda, where 20 cases have been reported, according to the Africa CDC.
Public Health Emergency
On May 17, two days after the outbreak was declared in the DRC, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which later spread to Uganda, as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
