The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) is preparing to open its largest Ebola treatment centre this week in Bunia, located in the country's northeast. This development comes as the Ebola outbreak continues to spread at an "exceptional" pace, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The new Rwankole Ebola Treatment Centre, nearing completion, will have 100 beds and employ over 300 staff members. It includes specialised facilities to care for pregnant women infected with or suspected of having Ebola. Alongside this, the Kigonze Ebola Transit Centre operates to isolate and treat suspected cases while awaiting laboratory results.

Health workers have been actively involved in disinfecting ambulances and managing protocols for suspected patients at Bunia General Hospital in Ituri province.

As of July 30, WHO reported 3,605 confirmed Ebola cases in DR Congo, including 1,587 deaths. On August 1, the organization called for a significant strengthening of the public health response as the epidemic continues to accelerate.

Sambo Sidikou of the NGO International Medical Corps highlighted the capabilities of the new treatment centre, emphasizing its expected role as the largest in the country.

Sources