Before his arrival, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on armed groups to declare a ceasefire so that health workers can reach populations and stop the spread of the disease.
Since May 15, UN agencies have been helping the DRC and neighboring Uganda contain the outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is no treatment.
As of Wednesday, there were 105 confirmed cases and 10 confirmed deaths in the DRC, while Uganda reported seven confirmed cases and one confirmed death.
“We are committed”
In a message addressed to the population of the DRC, particularly those of Ituri province – the epicenter of the crisis – Tedros stressed the solidarity of the WHO.
“We are working under the leadership of the DRC government, with all relevant partners, united around a single goal: to stop this epidemic and protect your communities,” he wrote.
“No one works alone. No one works against the grain. We are coordinated, we are committed and we are there.”
Similar challenges
This marks the This is the 17th time that the DRC has been confronted with Ebola since the discovery of the virus in 1976. The largest outbreak – which spread across the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri – took place from 2018 to 2020.
“Ebola is not new to me personally,” Tedros said, as during this outbreak he made 14 visits to North Kivu, the epicenter of this particular outbreak – “one of the most complex in history.”
It took place in a context of armed conflict which caused displacement and disrupted supply routes, with “health workers operating under constant threat”. At the same time, “the distrust was deep,” he recalls.
A heavy burden in Ituri
Tedros noted that these challenges are not so different today in Ituri, where around 90 percent of cases have been reported, with lower numbers in the Kivus. He highlighted the burden borne by the people of the province.
“I know many of you are exhausted,” he wrote. “You already carry so much with you: malaria, hunger, insecurity and the daily struggle to keep your families safe.. And now Ebola. This is not fair and I will not pretend otherwise.
He highlighted the vital role of young people, urging them to talk to friends and family and share what they know about Ebola in efforts to “help break the fear and silence that allows this virus to spread.”
A UNICEF water and sanitation expert explains Ebola prevention measures to students at a primary school in Bunia, Ituri, DR Congo.
Support for health workers
Tedros also sent a message to health workers in Ituri, who constitute “the backbone of this response”. WHO stands with them and works to get the support they need.
He acknowledged regional instability, where “conflicts and displacement make things more difficultincluding reaching people who need care and ensuring the safety of health workers.
Speaking candidly, Tedros said “this is one of our biggest challenges. We cannot do this work if those trying to help are prevented from doing so or put in danger”, adding that WHO is working closely with all relevant partners to reach communities.
Call for ceasefire
“That’s why today I make a direct appeal to all warring parties in this region: please declare a ceasefire. Even briefly. Even just enough to let health workers through,” he said.
“People are dying from Ebola who don’t have to die. Children are sick. Families are suffering. No cause, no conflict, no grievance is worth sentencing innocent people to death from a preventable disease.”
He stressed that “a ceasefire, even temporary, would save lives. I urge you, I implore you: give us the space to help the people who need it most.”
Anger and distrust
Tedros also addressed the issue of anger and mistrust in some communities, saying he understood why.
“Trust must be earned, it cannot be assumed,” he said. “We haven’t always done things right. But I promise you, we are here to learn as much as we are to help you..”
He explained that most previous Ebola outbreaks in the DRC were caused by the Zaire virus strain, which is treatable.
“We can do a lot of things together”
Although no approved vaccine or treatment is currently available against the Bundibugyo strain, “there are many things we can do together to prevent the spread of this virus and save lives”, he insisted.
“Early supportive care in our treatment centers can make a real difference,” he said. “Showing up early can mean the difference between life and death. And everything we do, we will do with you.”
Tedros noted that WHO teams are already on the ground and will remain there as long as necessary.
“And when this epidemic is over, we will not disappear quietly,” he said. “We will not forget you. We will stay and continue to work with you to build health systems that protect every person in every community.”
