Ebola cases top 10,000 as $2bn in aid remains unpaid

Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, stated on Tuesday that the current Ebola outbreak poses a threat to countries outside the continent. He argued that the rapid spread of the virus means nations cannot assume safety without taking specific preventive measures.

The outbreak has recorded 10,091 confirmed cases and 4,887 deaths. Kaseya compared the situation to the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, noting that many countries initially believed they were immune before the virus reached them. He specifically mentioned the United Kingdom, saying he did not want it to become the next hotspot for the disease.

This is the 17th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The virus involved is the Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved treatment. Vaccine trials are currently underway, with results expected within three to six months. The outbreak is the largest and deadliest in the country's history.

DR Congo's health ministry declared an outbreak in Ituri province on May 15, although genetic sequencing indicates the virus had been circulating since February. The infection has since spread to neighboring countries. Uganda reported two deaths, and Kenya reported two deaths. In west Africa, Nigeria confirmed a case in Abuja last week after a woman arriving from Uganda tested positive. France remains the only non-African country with a confirmed case, a doctor who returned from DR Congo in June.

Kaseya noted that three African regions are now affected by the virus. He said the geographic reach of this outbreak is without precedent in the region's history. He urged leaders in all continents to increase their preparedness levels and expand treatment capabilities.

The response to the crisis faces several obstacles. Health workers in the region have struck over unpaid wages, and a shortage of protective equipment has slowed efforts. Conflict in DR Congo, combined with local mistrust of officials and misinformation, has made containment difficult. Global aid cuts have added further strain to the response.

Kaseya will meet with African health ministers on Wednesday to push for better cross-border cooperation. He wants governments to implement screening and testing for travelers from affected areas at entry and exit points. He plans to discuss the funding gap at a meeting with African heads of state in November.

Governments have pledged $3 billion to fight the outbreak, but more than $2 billion is still missing. African countries have committed $120 million, while the rest is expected from international donors including the US, the UK, and the EU. Kaseya said the money is needed immediately to prevent the outbreak from growing into a global crisis that could cost trillions of dollars.