The European Union has disbursed an additional € 30 million on Thursday, July 25, 2019, to fund humanitarian action for the fight against Ebola as part of efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This new EU funding will strengthen support for infection prevention and control measures; working with local communities to promote their acceptance of the measures taken, including contagion prevention measures and those regarding safe and dignified access to health care and funerals; and those who have survived the epidemic and their families.
The EU will also address urgent humanitarian needs in affected and high-risk areas by providing food, access to health services and clean water.
« The fight against the epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is at a crucial moment. The EU is significantly strengthening its aid to save lives and prevent other infections. We are providing further assistance to the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the World Health Organization and humanitarian partners in the field. We are also fully supportive of the front-line workers who are putting their lives at risk to fight the epidemic, « said Christos Stylianides, EU coordinator for the fight against the Ebola virus.
The fight against Ebola in DR Congo is part of a difficult security, political and societal context. Conflicts, high mobility of the population, a fragile health system and distrust of communities continue to hinder the efforts of the intervention teams in the country.
Agnes KAYEMBE