Ebola Outbreak in DRC: Only Humanitarian Aid Can Contain the Disease
Catherine Wambua-Soi (Al Jazeera)
Health officials warn that without addressing the humanitarian crisis, efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will fail. Over a million people live in displacement camps lacking water, food, and medicine, hindering disease control. Dr. Jean Kaseya of Africa CDC says $1.4 billion is needed beyond medical response to tackle the crisis and prevent the outbreak from spreading.
Kinshasa, DRC – The latest Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is unfolding amid one of the world's most complex humanitarian crises. Armed group conflicts and inter-communal violence have forced many people to flee their homes, while insecurity makes it difficult for health workers to reach many areas, especially camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Officials say this lack of access is hampering case detection, contact tracing, and treatment, while communities long deprived of basic services remain skeptical of response measures focused solely on Ebola.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), highlighted the humanitarian challenges hindering the response, funding gaps, and what is needed to control the outbreak.
Al Jazeera: What are the main priorities?
Jean Kaseya: We are in an area where there are about one million people living in IDP camps. These people cannot access even the most basic services, and accessing these camps is a major challenge. Some who come from the camps seeking treatment tell us there are many more cases there, but we cannot reach them. We are talking about nearly two million people.
Al Jazeera: You cannot go there for security reasons?
Jean Kaseya: We cannot go there due to security concerns, not only related to rebel groups but also the conflict between the Hema and Lendu communities. These people living in the camps have not received humanitarian assistance for a very long time. When health workers go there to raise awareness about Ebola, people ask: 'Why are you coming now? Is it because of your disease?' They tell us they lack water, food, or medicine for other illnesses. They ask our volunteers: 'Why do you only come here for Ebola?' That is a difficult question to answer.
Al Jazeera: You recently met DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and African Union Chairperson, Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye. What were the outcomes?
Jean Kaseya: We met the two heads of state along with the Ebola task force and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. We concluded that we need about $1.4 billion over the next six months to address this humanitarian crisis if we are serious about containing the outbreak. At the meeting on June 16, we received a $910 million commitment, but that is only for the medical response. The DRC has provided $50 million of the $200 million requested for the medical response plan. Now, given the scale of the humanitarian crisis, these needs are being reconsidered. We are talking about $1.4 billion on top of the $200 million needed for the medical response.
Al Jazeera: $1.4 billion is a huge sum at a time of donor fatigue. Why is that level of funding necessary?
Jean Kaseya: Let me be clear. If we do not address the humanitarian crisis, we will not contain the outbreak. That is what makes this outbreak more complex and difficult than others we have seen in the past. You cannot suppress Ebola without tackling these humanitarian challenges.
Al Jazeera: How do you ensure that funding?
Jean Kaseya: It is a matter of choice. No one is protected. If our partners are serious, they will provide the funds needed to stop this outbreak where it is. If they do not act and tomorrow the outbreak spirals out of control, they may be affected as well. Then they will realize that responding to the disease in their own countries will cost five to ten times what we are asking today to stop it at the source.
Al Jazeera: Another major challenge is contact tracing. Why?
Jean Kaseya: One of our key indicators is that we are seeing cases from IDP camps. There are three or four large camps, and we are struggling with contact tracing there. Most of those affected are aged 15 to 45. They are young and economically active. Anyone exposed to the virus needs to be isolated and monitored for 21 days, meaning they cannot go to work or run their businesses. We need to compensate them, provide food, and give them shelter. Some of them do not even have homes.
Al Jazeera: What is your biggest concern?
Jean Kaseya: The fatality rate is now approaching 25%, and we do not know where this is going. We know the Ebola fatality rate is typically around 20%, but the symptoms we are seeing are changing. Some are different from what we have seen in previous outbreaks. There is still a lot unknown. We must provide the necessary support to stop the virus where it is. Closing borders is not the solution.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
