DURHAM, N.C. — FHI 360 is supporting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to respond to the 16th Ebola outbreak in Kasaï province. The outbreak has already caused 16 deaths and health officials have recorded 28 suspected cases of the Zaire strain of the virus, which has caused two of the worst Ebola outbreaks in Africa.
Joyce Kakesa, Project Director for FHI 360 in DRC says:
“In the case of a swiftly spreading fatal illness like Ebola, time is of the essence. Kasaï province is in the center of the DRC. There is a great risk of the outbreak spreading, as people move through this area. We must act urgently to control this new epidemic.
“The deaths of health workers are particularly concerning, because it indicates that proper protections are not yet fully in place to keep those who are collecting samples and caring for patients safe.
“We expect to provide training for laboratorians and clinicians to identify viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) samples, to provide test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers. We will also support clinics to safely transport samples from where they are collected at health facilities to testing sites to speed diagnostics. The Ministry of Health has strong experience in responding to this type of outbreak; at every step we are coordinating with and responding to their needs and requirements.”
FHI 360’s response to this outbreak is made possible through the generous support of the American public, through the U.S. government.