US deploys $13m emergency aid as Ebola spreads in DR Congo, Uganda

The United States has announced a $13m emergency response package to support efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and neighbouring Uganda.

The US Department of State said it activated its emergency response plan within 48 hours of the outbreak and had begun mobilising foreign assistance to strengthen disease surveillance, emergency coordination and humanitarian support in affected areas.

In a statement posted by the office of the US Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, the department said the funding would support immediate response operations and help partners on the ground tackle the growing health crisis.

“The United States mobilised an initial $13m in foreign assistance to support immediate response efforts,” the statement said.

It added that Washington was also relying on previous humanitarian investments coordinated through the United Nations system to enable the rapid deployment of additional assistance to the affected countries.

The statement said the intervention was aimed at strengthening response coordination and expanding humanitarian support in communities affected by the outbreak.

“American leadership remains indispensable in confronting global health threats,” it added.

The latest announcement comes amid rising concern over the spread of Ebola across parts of Central and East Africa.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern after health authorities confirmed increasing infections and deaths linked to the virus.

Officials in DR Congo say more than 130 people have died since the outbreak was detected, while neighbouring Uganda has also recorded infections linked to the cross-border spread of the disease.

Health experts warn that insecurity, population movement and weak health infrastructure in parts of eastern DR Congo may complicate efforts to contain the outbreak quickly.

The Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and can cause fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and severe internal complications.

Authorities and international agencies are urging residents in affected areas to report symptoms early and comply with public health measures aimed at limiting transmission.

Source: dailypost.