World Health Organization warns against travel bans as DR Congo battles deadly Ebola outbreak.
The World Health Organisation, (WHO) has warned that travel bans and border closures imposed over the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, could undermine efforts to contain the disease.
Speaking during a press briefing in Bunia, eastern DR Congo on weekend, the WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the latest outbreak was unfolding in difficult conditions marked by insecurity, fragile healthcare systems and vulnerable communities.
Cautioning that although the country had successfully defeated Ebola 16 times in the past, the current outbreak presents a more dangerous challenge as the Bundibugyo strain of the virus has no licensed vaccine or approved treatment.
The director stressed that despite the absence of approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain, there was still hope as some infected persons had already recovered through early medical care and supportive treatment.
The WHO chief said the organisation was working with partners to accelerate clinical trials for safe and effective vaccines and treatments while supporting the Congolese government-led response.
He, however, pleaded with countries that had imposed travel restrictions following the outbreak to reconsider their decisions, warning that such measures could complicate emergency response operations and discourage transparency.
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