The World Health Organization declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern on Sunday.
This designation allows the WHO to coordinate a more aggressive international response to limit the spread of the virus and mobilize resources. The move comes as the number of suspected cases and fatalities continues to climb in the affected regions.
According to a WHO spokesperson, the organization declared the outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern" [1]. The decision follows a rising trend of infections across the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda [1, 2].
Data on the scale of the outbreak varies by source. The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo reported 118 deaths [4]. Other reports indicate at least 80 suspected deaths [3] and more than 250 suspected Ebola cases [3].
Health officials are working to contain the virus in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo and within Uganda [2, 3]. The WHO said the emergency declaration is necessary to manage the crisis and prevent a wider regional epidemic [1, 2].
International agencies, including USAID, have been involved in the response effort to provide medical support and containment strategies [3]. The WHO said the priority remains the coordination of international aid to stabilize the affected areas [1].
“The World Health Organization on Sunday declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern."”
A Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is the highest level of alarm the WHO can sound. By designating the Ebola outbreak as such, the WHO can trigger international health regulations, streamline the deployment of vaccines and medical personnel, and pressure member states to provide funding and logistical support to prevent the virus from crossing further international borders.
