Ahead of his arrival, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus appealed to armed groups to declare a ceasefire so that health workers can reach people and stop the spread of the disease.
Since May 15, UN agencies have supported the DRC and neighboring Uganda to 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 has reported seven confirmed cases and one confirmed death.
‘We are committed’
In a message to the people of the DRC, especially those in Ituri province – the epicenter of the crisis – Tedros stressed WHO’s solidarity.
“We are working under the leadership of the government of the DRC, together with all relevant partners, united around one goal: to stop this outbreak and protect your communities,” he wrote.
“No one works alone. No one works crosswise. We are coordinated, we are committed and we are here.”
Similar challenges
This marks 17th time that DRC has been exposed to Ebola since the virus was first discovered in 1976. The largest outbreak – which spread across North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri provinces – occurred from 2018 to 2020.
“Ebola is not new to me personally,” Tedros said when during that epidemic he made 14 visits to North Kivu, the epicenter of the particular outbreak – “one of the most complex in history”.
It unfolded amid an armed conflict that sparked displacement and disrupted supply routes, with “health workers operating under constant threat”. At the same time, “distrust was deep,” he recalled.
Heavy burden in Ituri
Tedros noted that such challenges are not so different today in Ituri, where about 90 percent of cases have been reported, with smaller numbers in the Kivus. He emphasized the burden borne by the people of the province.
“I know many of you are exhausted,” he wrote. “You already carry so much: malaria, hunger, insecurity and the daily struggle to keep your families safe. And now Ebola. It is not fair and I will not pretend otherwise.”
He highlighted the vital role of young people and encouraged them to talk to their friends and families and share what they know about Ebola in an effort 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 healthcare workers
Tedros also had a message for health workers in Ituri, who are “the backbone of this response.” WHO stands with them and is working to get them the support they need.
He acknowledged regional instability where “conflict and displacement make everything more difficultincluding reaching out to people who need care and securing health workers.”
Frankly, 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 at risk,” adding that WHO is working closely with all relevant partners to reach communities.
Appeal for ceasefire
“That is why today I am appealing directly to all warring parties in this region: please declare a ceasefire. Even for a short time. Even just enough to let health workers through,” he said.
“People are dying from Ebola who don’t need to die. Children are sick. Families are suffering. No cause, no conflict, no grievance is worth condemning innocent people to death from a preventable disease.”
He stressed that “a ceasefire, even a temporary one, would save lives. I urge you, I implore you: Give us space to help the people who need it most.”
Anger and mistrust
Tedros also addressed the issue of anger and distrust in some communities, saying he understands why.
“Trust has to be earned, it cannot be assumed,” he said. “We haven’t always done things right. But I promise you, we’re here to learn as much as we’re here to help.”
He explained that most previous Ebola outbreaks in the DRC were caused by the Zaire virus strain, which is treatable.
‘There is a lot we can do together’
Although no approved vaccines or treatments are currently available for the Bundibugyo tribe, “there is a lot 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. “Getting there early can make the difference between life and death. And everything we do, we want to do with you.”
Tedros noted that WHO teams are already on the ground and will remain there as long as necessary.
“And when this outbreak is over, we’re not going to go away quietly,” he said. “We will not forget you. We will, and we will continue to work with you to build health systems that protect all people in all communities.”
