WHO has expanded its isolation capacity for suspected cases and upgraded treatment facilities, including building individual isolation rooms meeting the latest infection prevention and control standards and installing a 10,000 liter water tank to support patient care.
Addressing a high-level meeting of African leaders on Tuesday, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described community distrust as a “major obstacle” to the response.
“These communities feel – perhaps rightly so – that the outside world only wants to protect against Ebola and doesn’t really care. them“, he said.
After a visit to the epicenter of the outbreak in Ituri province, Tedros said insecurity, displacement and population movements continue to complicate response efforts. He also criticized the broad travel restrictions, calling them an “unnecessary overreaction that does more harm than good.”.
No vaccines or therapeutic products
The outbreak is being fought without vaccines or approved treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease, although clinical trials of “promising drugs” are expected to begin in the coming weeks.
“The biggest question is what we will do to prevent the 18th and 19th Ebola outbreaks,” Tedros said.
He stressed that ending the epidemic will require strong community engagement, cross-border cooperation and investment in broader health services.
“If we protect these communities from Ebola, but not from malaria, or from unsafe childbirth, or from measles, or from malnutrition, or from a conflict that is not their fault, we haven’t really helped. »
Practical guide to dealing with deadly viruses
Meanwhile, the WHO has published its first complete clinical care guidelines for all filovirus diseases, including Ebola and Marburg viral diseases.
They made 16 evidence-based recommendations focused on early supportive care, which WHO says can significantly improve survival, particularly where vaccines and treatments are not available.
“These new guidelines are a perfect example of how WHO is harnessing science to better protect and care for people during epidemics and health emergencies,” said Dr Tedros. “The current Bundibugyo virus epidemic is a stark reminder of the need for diligent, holistic, person-centered medical careto save lives and preserve human dignity.
Key recommendations include prompt treatment of dehydration and shock, laboratory monitoring, prompt treatment of bacterial infections, and structured follow-up care for survivors.
The WHO said early recognition, prompt referral and optimized supportive care remain the basis of effective treatment.
