WHO chief says Ebola 'can be stopped'

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

KINSHASA: The World Health Organization (WHO) Chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo, expressing firm confidence that the current Ebola outbreak can be stopped. 

This high-level visit comes at a critical juncture as the official death toll from the virus has tragically surpassed the 200 mark. The outbreak, primarily concentrated in the conflict-ridden eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, remains one of the most challenging health emergencies facing the global community.

Upon his arrival at the epicenter of the crisis, Dr. Tedros assessed ongoing medical interventions and the safety of health workers. The DRC health ministry confirmed that the mortality rate has risen sharply, yet the WHO maintains that the tools to end the epidemic are already in place. Since the outbreak began, health teams have administered thousands of vaccinations and implemented experimental treatments that have shown promise in saving lives.

However, the response faces significant hurdles, including frequent attacks by armed groups and instances of community mistrust. Dr. Tedros emphasized that the fight against Ebola is as much about social cohesion as it is about medicine.

 By partnering with local leaders and ensuring security for responders, the WHO believes the transmission chain can be broken. Tedros emphasized that the tools to end the epidemic are available, stating earlier upon arrival, ‘Together, we will overcome this outbreak.’