By Semafor Africa
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
The World Health Organization declared an Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern.”
At least 88 people have died and more than 300 suspected infections have been linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccines or antibody treatments.
The vast majority of cases have been identified in DR Congo, which borders nine countries. The outbreak does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency, the WHO stressed, but requires global coordination and surveillance to curb its spread.
Jean Kaseya, director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, told Sky News the outbreak highlighted the urgency of manufacturing vaccines and medicines on the continent.
Experts warn that massive cuts to foreign aid programs could weaken emergency response in vulnerable states.
