The World Food Programme (WFP) called for greater international support, particularly for communities in remote areas far from Ebola treatment centres.
WFP Country Director for the DRC David Stevenson said the response required medical care, food assistance and expanded treatment capacity. “Ebola is a health crisis; there’s no question about that,” Stevenson said.
The current outbreak was declared on May 15 and is caused by the rare Bundibugyo Ebola species. More than 5 500 cases and 2 642 deaths were recorded during the first 100 days, making the outbreak the fastest-growing on record.
Ituri province remains the centre of the crisis. Years of armed conflict, displacement and limited food access have increased vulnerability across affected communities.
More than 500 000 people in Ituri are experiencing Phase 4 hunger under the five-level Integrated Food Security Phase Classification scale. Phase 4 indicates emergency conditions, one level below catastrophe or famine.
According to Stevenson, families without sufficient food cannot prioritise Ebola prevention measures or change daily behaviour to comply with health protocols. “If you can’t feed your family, it’s pretty difficult to adhere to health protocols, which is so necessary now,” Stevenson said.
WFP identified the construction of additional Ebola treatment centres and increased funding for food assistance as immediate priorities.
Poor roads and remote settlements continue to complicate humanitarian deliveries. However, WFP is working to transport assistance to affected rural communities despite logistical barriers.
Stevenson expressed concern about limited international funding for food support as the outbreak spreads faster than the response.
Medical treatment combined with adequate nutrition has already helped infected patients recover, according to Stevenson.
However, many affected people never reach treatment centres, increasing the need for additional facilities and stronger community-based support.
WFP ranks the DRC Ebola response among major humanitarian operations alongside Sudan, South Sudan, Ukraine and the Gaza Strip.
Stevenson said containing the outbreak would require a comprehensive programme combining treatment, nutrition, health education and support for food-insecure households.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
