Kinshasa: The World Health Organization (WHO) called for more support at all levels to combat the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as it continues to outpace the capacity to respond to it.

According to Qatar News Agency, WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic stated that the outbreak is unfortunately still expanding beyond the capacity of the response. He emphasized the need for more support in terms of finances, as well as other resources to enhance all areas of response. Jasarevic highlighted that the country recorded 3,748 confirmed cases of Ebola, which included 1,657 deaths, while 708 patients have recovered from the disease. Additionally, 227 suspected cases have been identified, with 17,000 contacts of the cases being monitored, and more than 80% of them undergoing daily testing.

Local authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in collaboration with the WHO and partners, continue to implement large-scale response measures. However, a significant increase in response activities is required to make progress in combating the outbreak effectively.

The WHO reiterated the necessity to maintain heightened surveillance and preparedness measures, particularly given the continued movement of populations and the risk of cross-border transmission.