Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) confirmed the end of an Ebola epidemic that began in North Kivu province in early October and infected 11 individuals, killing six of them.
On October 8, the DRC reported its 13th outbreak of the illness in Beni, in the country's east, raising worries of a repetition of the 2018-2020 epidemic, which killed almost 2,300 people in the same region, the second-highest toll in the disease's history.
My heartfelt congratulations to health workers in Beni's health zone who have called off their strike to deal with this pandemic," health minister Jean-Jacques Mbungani said at a press conference.
Following a stinging report in September on a sexual assault crisis that has enveloped it and other aid agencies, the WHO stated its workers were accompanied by a sexual health specialist to assist avoid inappropriate and abusive behavior.
During the 2018-2020 outbreak, more than 80 aid workers were involved in sexual abuse and exploitation, with a quarter of them working for the WHO.
In 1976, the virus was found near the Ebola River, causing severe vomiting and diarrhoea and spreading by contact with bodily fluids.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said that more than 1,800 individuals were vaccinated with Merck's freshly approved Ervedo vaccine.
"The DRC was able to limit widespread infections and preserve lives throughout this epidemic." With each epidemic, important lessons are gained and used," said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Africa director.
"More successful Ebola containment in the region is being made possible by improved disease surveillance, community participation, targeted vaccination, and rapid responses."
