KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo, May 31 (ANI/WAM) — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), visited Bunia in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo on Saturday, where a severe Ebola outbreak has been declared.
Speaking to reporters in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, Tedros said the international community is supporting the Congolese government’s efforts to contain the outbreak, while emphasizing the importance of local participation in the response.
“The international community is helping the DRC government cope with the outbreak, but at the same time, community ownership is important,” he said.
Tedros explained that community engagement was a key reason for his visit.
“We are here to discuss with the community, to see how the response is running and if there are challenges where we can help,” he said.
During his visit, the WHO chief is expected to inaugurate a major Ebola treatment center in Bunia. Unlike temporary facilities used during previous outbreaks, the center will be housed in a permanent structure.
The visit comes after the World Health Organization declared the latest Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
According to reports, the outbreak has claimed 246 lives and involved more than 1,000 suspected cases. (ANI/WAM)
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