Ebola is back for the 17th recorded epidemic in Congo. Congo has huge experience in responding quickly to Ebola and usually in containing epidemics in isolated rural villages where most epidemics start. But alas this time something has gone very wrong with epidemiological surveillance, with the epidemic only reported when it has literally gone viral. We now hear of cases in as far away places as Bukavu, Goma, Butembo, Bunia and Aru…. many of the names you will have heard in our Semiliki Stories, as these are all places where our partners are working. Three nurses have already died in this epidemic, and an missionary doctor has been evacuated with Ebola from Nyankunde hospital (not far from Bunia and Boga).
We are very concerned for our partners who are on the frontline of health centres and hospitals. We urgently need to support them to stay safe as they respond to all the usual health needs and also can screen and identify any patients who might have Ebola. Unfortunately there is not a fully tested vaccine against this Bundibugyo strain on Ebola. The death rate is estimated to be 30% … that’s 10 times higher than in the first wave, pre-vaccine, of Covid 19.
We want to send an immediate £10,000 so our partners can buy thermoscans and PPE so they can do their essential work while reducing risk of transmission to themselves and other patients. We will very likely need to do much more than this.
Donate to keep front line health staff safe. Or send donations direct to the Semiliki Bank Account, and mark donations ‘BeatEbola‘. Sort code 40-44-04, Acc # 81890689
Read how we responded in previous Ebola epidemics.
