WHO warns of Ebola “storm” in DR Congo as aid workers halt prevention activities

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of an impending Ebola “perfect storm” in the wake of attacks by armed groups, community resistance and the geographic spread of the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We are now extremely concerned that several factors may be coming together over the next weeks and months to create a perfect storm,” WHO’s head of emergency response Peter Salama told a news conference in Geneva on Tuesday.

Reports say a deadly attack by rebels in Beni, a flashpoint city in North Kivu region of the DRC forced aid workers to halt Ebola prevention activities in the area.

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The deadly attack which occurred in the restive east over the weekend claimed 21 lives with the Congolese army blaming the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a notorious rebel militia for the assault.

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said it, and other aid agencies, have been forced to temporarily suspend activities in Beni because of the attack.

“This points to an increasingly worrisome security situation across the country,” the group said in a statement on Monday, adding that it had to halt activities due to intensifying and frequent clashes in Djugu territory in the northern province of Ituri, and Fizi in South Kivu over the last two weeks.

 

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