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Ebola: Cases continue to climb as WHO Director General visits DRC

10 Aug 26

Ebola: Cases continue to climb as WHO Director General visits DRC

The Elykia Centre is the only Ebola treatment centre to have its own laboratory. Before it was set up, it could sometimes take a week to obtain test results for so-called ‘suspected’ patients. Whilst some people flocked to the centre because they were developing symptoms similar to those of the virus, others also went there without knowing whether they were actually infected. Indeed, the symptoms of the ‘dry phase’ are similar to those of other illnesses: headaches, fever and a sore throat. The waiting time to confirm whether someone was infected put those who were not at risk. Thanks to the laboratory, results are available in less than 24 hours at the latest. This makes it possible to discharge those who are not infected more quickly, to isolate confirmed cases, to relieve pressure on the centre, and also to pass on the correct information to medical centres that will be receiving patients who do not have the virus but are still unwell. Caption
The Elykia Centre is the only Ebola treatment centre to have its own laboratory. Before it was set up, it could sometimes take a week to obtain test results for so-called ‘suspected’ patients. Whilst some people flocked to the centre because they were developing symptoms similar to those of the virus, others also went there without knowing whether they were actually infected. Indeed, the symptoms of the ‘dry phase’ are similar to those of other illnesses: headaches, fever and a sore throat. The waiting time to confirm whether someone was infected put those who were not at risk. Thanks to the laboratory, results are available in less than 24 hours at the latest. This makes it possible to discharge those who are not infected more quickly, to isolate confirmed cases, to relieve pressure on the centre, and also to pass on the correct information to medical centres that will be receiving patients who do not have the virus but are still unwell.
© Julien Dewarichet/MSF

Dr Philippa Boulle, deputy medical director for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), provides a statement on the occasion of Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), high-level visit to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“Two and a half months after the Ebola disease outbreak was declared, the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is more critical than ever. The outbreak is spreading at an alarming and unprecedented rate despite the tireless efforts of frontline medical teams.  

According to the WHO, 3,605 confirmed cases had been reported by August 1st, making this the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in the DRC, surpassing the 2018 epidemic. In just 11 weeks since it was declared, nearly 1,500 people had died. That is a far higher death toll than in comparable periods of previous outbreaks: the devastating 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa caused 279 deaths over the same timeframe.

Even more concerning, the outbreak shows no sign of slowing down. New suspected cases are being reported almost daily in new locations, outside already identified transmission chains. To prevent further loss of life, the response must outpace the current rate of transmission. The international medical response must scale-up without delay, and many critical gaps still need to be addressed.

Undeniable progress has been made in screening and contact tracing, but these efforts remain very insufficient to contain the epidemic. In the MSF Ebola treatment center (ETC) in Bunia, 90% of admitted patients were not traced contacts, while in the whole of Ituri province only 59% of contacts were traced. There is an urgent need for improved community engagement. 

A successful response can only be achieved if it is built with and led by local actors. Without communities at the centre of the response, surveillance and contact tracing will continue to miss cases. Better integration of local communities is essential to ensure cases are detected as early as possible and followed up rigorously.  

This outbreak is aggravating an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Malaria, measles, cholera, malnutrition, and other preventable and treatable conditions continue to cause significant illness and death. Continued support for health facilities is also critical so they can keep providing vital healthcare services throughout the response and protect health workers.

Jérémie, hygiéniste, s'occupe d'habiller un infirmier. Son travail est essentiel pour s'assurer que l'équipement est bien mis. Ceci pour assurer au maximum la sécurité des personnes qui vont au contact des patients infectés. Jérémie, a hygiene officer, is helping a nurse get dressed. His work is vital in ensuring that the equipment is fitted correctly. This is to maximise the safety of those who come into contact with infected patients. Caption
Jérémie, hygiéniste, s'occupe d'habiller un infirmier. Son travail est essentiel pour s'assurer que l'équipement est bien mis. Ceci pour assurer au maximum la sécurité des personnes qui vont au contact des patients infectés. Jérémie, a hygiene officer, is helping a nurse get dressed. His work is vital in ensuring that the equipment is fitted correctly. This is to maximise the safety of those who come into contact with infected patients.
© Julien Dewarichet/MSF

Access remains a critical issue, particularly in remote areas where the onset of the rainy season will make movement difficult and risk disrupting operations. Providing medical supplies, as well as incentives and support for frontline health workers, is essential. Clear assurances are needed that border restrictions, sanitary measures, or administrative burdens will not impede humanitarian staff rotations, medical referrals, or the delivery of supplies. For now, the situation remains uncertain.

Awareness-raising sessions also provide an opportunity to meet, share experiences and listen to one another. Despite the gravity of the situation, there is a light-hearted atmosphere and plenty of laughter amongst the MSF teams and the local population. These moments are just as important. They strengthen the bonds and the trust that people have in MSF. Caption
Awareness-raising sessions also provide an opportunity to meet, share experiences and listen to one another. Despite the gravity of the situation, there is a light-hearted atmosphere and plenty of laughter amongst the MSF teams and the local population. These moments are just as important. They strengthen the bonds and the trust that people have in MSF.
© Julien Dewarichet/MSF

Strengthening epidemiological surveillance, improving community engagement, and guaranteeing access for humanitarian personnel are top priorities.

The response is expanding but is still not reaching communities quickly enough to break transmission chains. Immediate action is needed. Every day lost allows the virus to stay one step ahead and more lives to be needlessly lost.”  

How Is MSF Responding?

More than 1,400 MSF staff members are currently mobilized in the Ebola virus disease outbreak response in eastern DRC. MSF operates seven Ebola treatment centres (ETCs) and more than 15 isolation units in Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tshopo, with a total capacity of more than 480 beds. Since the start of the outbreak, our teams have admitted more than 1,362 patients, including 554 confirmed cases, and supported the recovery of 282 survivors following their treatment and care. MSF supports the Ministry of Health in surveillance and screening activities, community mobilization, training, and efforts to ensure safe access to other essential health services. We also continue to provide primary and secondary health care in several provinces of the country. 

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