The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that a shortage of trained health workers, operational partners and funding is seriously hampering efforts to control the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has spread across six provinces and continues to expand geographically.
According to the WHO, the outbreak has infected more than 6,000 people and killed 3,175, making it the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the DRC’s history. Health authorities are now using a more decentralised approach by establishing treatment centres closer to communities where new cases are being detected.
Thousands more health workers needed
The response currently has nearly 1,400 treatment beds across 59 centres, but the WHO estimates that another 1,600 beds are required as the disease spreads.
The organisation says around 9,000 health workers will be needed to operate the planned 3,000-bed capacity. At present, roughly 4,000 workers are available, meaning about 5,000 additional health workers must be recruited and trained.
The financial burden is also significant. The WHO estimates that operating a 50-bed Ebola treatment centre costs about $500,000, while protective equipment for healthcare workers costs approximately $25 per use.
Funding shortages add to the crisis
WHO technical officer Luca Fontana said the number of international organisations capable of operating Ebola treatment centres has fallen, partly because of wider cuts in global humanitarian funding.
The WHO is calling on donors to increase and accelerate contributions towards a $1.3 billion Ebola response plan covering the next six months.
Despite the challenges, the WHO says efforts to develop treatments and vaccines are continuing. Clinical trials of potential treatments are underway, while trials of new vaccines specifically targeting the Bundibugyo strain are expected to progress later this year.
The WHO has stressed that identifying and breaking every chain of transmission remains essential if the outbreak is to be brought under control.
