DRC: Violent attacks continue to hinder response to Ebola outbreak

Recent insecurity in several areas in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has forced tens of thousands of people to flee for safety, and caused many humanitarian organizations to suspend or limit their activities. Internally displaced people and children are particularly affected by the suspensions.

In Beni, North Kivu, the epicentre of the new Ebola outbreak that has already caused 244 deaths and risks spreading regionally, repeated incursions by alleged non-state armed groups have regularly forced medical response teams to suspend their activities. This outbreak is the tenth to hit the DRC in 40 years. It was declared in North Kivu Province on 1 August this year and, given the worsening security situation in and around the city of Beni, the World Health Organization (WHO) elevated its risk level from “high” to “very high” on 28 September.