Health facilities at the epicentre of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are overstretched and rapidly running out of essential supplies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned on Monday.
The humanitarian body said urgent resources are needed to contain the outbreak in Bulape, Kasai Province, where clean water, electricity, and protective equipment are in short supply.
“This outbreak is straining already fragile communities. Health facilities are overwhelmed, essential supplies are not available, and the area is without power,” said Ariel Kestens, IFRC Head of Delegation in Kinshasa.
The IFRC has launched an appeal for 20 million Swiss francs ($25 million) to boost the response effort. The outbreak, DRC’s first in three years, was declared in early September.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 48 confirmed and probable cases have been recorded so far, with 31 deaths. The main isolation centre in Bulape has reached full capacity, while the only treatment facility is currently operating at 119% capacity.
Health experts fear the virus could spread quickly across remote and underserved communities without urgent intervention.
“Protecting health workers means protecting communities. The DRC needs urgent support, especially in under-resourced areas. This is about preventing another regional health crisis,” said Gregoire Mateso, President of the DRC Red Cross.
The WHO has already begun vaccinating frontline health workers and contacts of infected persons in the province.
