Geneva: The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced the end of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after 45 consecutive days without any new reported cases. The announcement was made during a press conference in Geneva, highlighting the efforts that led to the control of the outbreak.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Ghebreyesus detailed that the outbreak, which began in September, resulted in 64 confirmed and probable cases, with 45 fatalities over a 45-day period. He emphasized the significant contribution of the health response led by DRC health authorities in collaboration with the WHO in bringing the outbreak under control.
Ghebreyesus reflected on the progress made since the first major Ebola outbreak in West Africa a decade ago when approved vaccines and treatments were not available. He noted that scientific advancements have transformed Ebola into a preventable, treatable, and stoppable disease.
Additionally, Ghebreyesus introduced an innovative treatment unit used for the first time during this outbreak. He explained that the Infectious Disease Treatment Module, developed by the WHO, the World Food Programme, and other partners, is designed to be more patient-friendly and safer.
During the press conference, Ghebreyesus also cautioned about the ongoing outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Ethiopia. He reported that more than two weeks into the outbreak, 12 confirmed cases have been documented, with eight deaths. Currently, three patients have recovered, while one remains under treatment.