A shortage of trained health workers, operational partners and funding is hampering efforts to expand the response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the World Health Organization warned on Tuesday.
The outbreak has spread beyond its initial epicentre in Bunia and now affects six provinces, prompting authorities to adopt a more decentralised response by establishing treatment centres closer to affected communities.
WHO technical officer Luca Fontana said nearly 1,400 treatment beds had been established across 59 treatment centres, describing the expansion as one of the fastest he had witnessed.
However, the organisation estimates that another 1,600 beds are needed, bringing the required capacity to about 3,000 beds as the outbreak continues to spread.
WHO estimates that about three health workers are required for every Ebola treatment bed. Meeting the planned capacity would therefore require around 9,000 health workers, meaning roughly 5,000 additional personnel would need to be recruited and trained.
The shortage comes as the outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain has become the worst Ebola epidemic in Congo’s history. More than 6,000 cases and 3,175 deaths have been reported, according to WHO.
Fontana also said the number of international organisations capable of operating Ebola treatment centres had become limited, partly because of broader reductions in global donor funding.
The funding constraints are adding pressure to an already stretched response, particularly as authorities attempt to expand treatment capacity beyond the original outbreak epicentre.
Congo and its international partners launched a revised 180-day response plan last week to intensify efforts to contain the outbreak and coordinate resources. The plan seeks to strengthen surveillance, treatment, community engagement and other response operations.
WHO has previously warned that insecurity, population movements, poor road access, misinformation and shortages of essential supplies are complicating the response.
The organisation has called for greater support for frontline health workers, faster delivery of resources and stronger community involvement to improve detection and treatment.
The outbreak is particularly challenging because the Bundibugyo virus currently has no licensed vaccine or specific treatment. WHO said efforts are underway to test potential countermeasures.
WHO is urging donors to increase funding for the broader response plan, which requires substantial additional resources over the coming months.
The agency said the scale-up must continue despite the operational constraints, as the geographic spread of the outbreak increases the risk of further transmission across Congo and potentially neighbouring countries.
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Emmanuel Abara Benson is a business journalist and editor covering artificial intelligence, global markets, and emerging technology.
He has previously worked with Business Insider Africa and Nairametrics, reporting on finance, startups, and innovation.
His work focuses on AI, digital economy, and global tech trends.
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