Humanitarian assistance is critical to controlling the Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where conflict, mass displacement and insecurity continue to hamper health response efforts.
The latest outbreak is unfolding amid one of the world’s most complex humanitarian crises, with violence by armed groups and intercommunal clashes forcing thousands of people from their homes.
Health officials say insecurity is limiting access to affected communities, making it difficult to detect new cases, trace contacts and provide timely treatment. Internally displaced persons (IDP) camps remain particularly challenging to reach, increasing the risk of further transmission.
Authorities also warn that communities deprived of basic services for years remain sceptical of Ebola-focused interventions, complicating efforts to contain the virus.
In a discussion with Al Jazeera, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Director General Jean Kaseya highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian support, increased funding and improved access to vulnerable populations to bring the outbreak under control.
Health experts stress that without stronger humanitarian assistance and security guarantees, efforts to stop the spread of Ebola could face significant setbacks.
