USAID cuts criticised as Ebola virus evolves in the DRC
An estimated 900 people are suspected to have contracted the Ebola Virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to the World Health Organisation in a public report published on May 24th, as reported by RFI and agencies on May 25th.
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, named after the region it originates from between DRC and Uganda, is highly fatal as no form of vaccine or treatment currently exists.
The Directorate of Health and Humanitarian Affairs affirms that more than 300 million dollars are necessary to fight the propagation of the virus in African countries, while also treating it in the DRC and Uganda.
However, the current lack of international funding is deeply felt with the defunding of USAID by the administration of US President Donald Trump at the beginning of his term in February 2025.
According to Jeremy Konyndyk, former director of USAID, in a statement made to RFI on May 25th, the absence of the organisation in these moments of international health crisis is a hazard, as he explains that without the expertise and funding of USAID, viruses are detected much later, and health organisations on site lack funds.
Konyndyk added that this Ebola epidemic is the most concerning one since 2014, when USAID invested more than $1 billion to fight the Ebola virus.
In his statements to RFI, Konyndyk adds that the recent U.S. diplomatic efforts to create 50 anti-Ebola clinics in the DRC and Uganda are unrealistic, explaining that the White House might underestimate the difficulties, challenges and investment this represents.
Uganda has introduced screening measures and checkpoints in its Western Bundibugyo region, neighbouring the DRC.
The World Health Organisation has classified the outbreak as a global health emergency, while the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has announced on May 24th, 119 suspected deaths in the DRC, with 10 confirmed.
Authorities of both Uganda and the DRC call for enhanced vigilance and precaution while facing the virus.
RFI and agencies, Maghrebi.org
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