In Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, five patients recently recovered from a rare form of Ebola, according to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). During his visit to Bunia, the center of the outbreak in the eastern part of the country, Tedros announced that four patients would be discharged on Sunday, and one had been discharged two days prior.
The WHO confirmed the recovery of a patient from the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, the current type involved in this outbreak. This strain lacks an approved vaccine or treatment. The recent recovery marks the first documented case of patient recuperation from Bundibugyo. Latest WHO reports indicated 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths. In neighboring Uganda, nine cases and one death have been confirmed, as reported by Uganda’s Ministry of Health.
On Saturday, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) highlighted the rapid spread of the virus, surpassing the response efforts despite organized healthcare facilities and the arrival of new aid. MSF advocated for an immediate expansion of diagnostic testing, faster deployment of humanitarian workers, and continuous access to medical supplies.
The challenges faced by healthcare workers have been heightened by the anger among residents over strict medical protocols for handling the bodies of victims, conflicting with local funeral rites. Residents have attacked health centers at least three times. Tedros emphasized community involvement in the outbreak response during the opening of a new Ebola treatment center.
“If individuals seek medical attention when they exhibit symptoms, they can receive support and recover. Therefore, the key is to present oneself promptly and receive the necessary aid,” stated the WHO chief.
Insecurity has further complicated the response, with attacks in Ituri by the Allied Democratic Forces, a rebel group linked to the Islamic State, and an ethnic militia coalition. Cases have also been recorded in North and South Kivu, south of Ituri, where the M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, controls several key cities like Goma and Bukavu.
Pierre Akilimali, the incident manager at Congo’s National Public Health Institute, relayed a message of hope during the center’s inauguration. “With the symptomatic treatment we are currently providing, we are witnessing patient recoveries,” he said.
Davin Ambitapio, another doctor at the treatment center, added: “We remain hopeful. The virus here is less complex than those encountered in the past, and with support from all our partners, we believe we can quickly control this outbreak.”