Eastern Congo declared Ebola-free
The Ebola virus has ravaged Eastern Congo for nearly two years. The virus highly contagious, and the death rate is high. Among the 3500 infected with the virus, almost 2300 have died. The Kivu province, where the outbreak started almost two years ago, is marked by conflict and unrest. Health Service is scarce and both patients and health workers are exposed to attacks by militia groups ravaging the area.
Local and international health workers have tested and vaccinated thousands of people, and last Friday, the outbreak was finally declared over.
"Ending this Ebola outbreak is a sign of hope for the Region and for the world, that with solidarity and science and courage and commitment, even the most challenging epidemics can be controlled." WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said at a press conference last week.
Doctors Without Borders have been working in Eastern Congo for years, and one of the doctors who were serving during the Ebola outbreak, is Elin Hoffmann:
"We are happy that the outbreak is now finally over and celebrates together with our Congolese colleagues. At the same time, we must not forget the other health challenges Congo is facing. The Ebola outbreak has taught us how important it is to focus on more than one disease at the time."
Even though the Ebola outbreak in Eastern Congo is over, the virus – that has been breaking out in 20 different places in Africa over the past 40 years – is not eradicated. A new, smaller, outbreak is already registered in Western Kongo, in a area far more peaceful than the Kivu Province. The war-ridden country is also affected by the Corona virus, and at the same time, is experiences the worlds largest ongoing outbreak of measles.
Working with Ebola has shown us how important it is to build trust in societies and work coordinated with other actors in the field. That will help us to be better equipped for fighting diseases in the future.
Did you know that...
...Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999 for its pioneering humanitarian work on several continents.
Every Friday at noon, the Nobel Peace Center will release a peace dove together with “The good news of the week.”The dove is released from a window at the Nobel Peace Center, situated on the City Hall Square. As the dove crosses the square, the John Lennon song Give Peace a Chance will play from the bell towers.
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