‘Devastating set of emergencies’ are converging in Congo amid Ebola outbreak

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleHealth experts say international aid cuts last year by the United States and other rich nations were devastating for eastern Congo (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa)Arson attacks on Ebola treatment centres in eastern Congo highlight the profound and complex challenges in battling the outbreak, driven by deep-seated anger within local communities.Health officials have warned that the region is experiencing a “devastating set of emergencies,” including persistent violence from rebel groups, mass displacement of nearly a million people, and governmental failures, all of which severely complicate containment efforts.Insecurity has forced medical professionals to flee, leaving health facilities in “catastrophic” conditions and hindering the response to the rare and deadly Bundibugyo type of Ebola, for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists.International aid cuts by wealthy nations last year have exacerbated the crisis, leading to critical shortages of essential equipment such as protective gear, testing kits, and body bags for health workers.Community backlash, fuelled by years of neglect, violence, and anger over strict burial protocols that override traditional practices, has resulted in the burning of treatment centres, prompting authorities to ban funeral wakes and deploy armed guards for burials.In fullEbola treatment center attacks are one of several problems plaguing Congo outbreak responseThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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