Daijiworld Media Network - Kinshasa
Kinshasa, May 31: World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is on an official visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo as health authorities and international partners step up efforts to contain the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the country.
During his visit, Ghebreyesus met with Johnny Luboya Nkashama, Governor of Ituri Province, which has reported the highest number of infections linked to the current outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
In a post on X, the WHO chief said discussions focused on strengthening coordination among health and humanitarian agencies involved in the response. He stressed the importance of ensuring that all partners work under the leadership of the Congolese government to improve the effectiveness of containment and treatment efforts.
Ghebreyesus arrived in Kinshasa on Thursday and said his visit was aimed at demonstrating solidarity with affected communities and reaffirming the WHO’s commitment to supporting national authorities in managing the outbreak.
He described the situation as highly complex, noting that ongoing conflict, insecurity, population displacement, food shortages and mistrust among communities continue to hinder disease-control measures and public health interventions.
Meanwhile, India has expressed its willingness to support countries affected by the outbreak as well as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in addressing the health emergency.
Speaking at a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had already dispatched an initial consignment of medical supplies to the Africa CDC.
The supplies were formally handed over by Upender Singh Rawat, India's High Commissioner to Uganda, to officials of the Africa CDC.
Jaiswal said India remains ready to provide further assistance and cooperate with affected nations and regional health institutions in responding to the public health crisis. He added that additional support would be considered as the situation evolves.
Health authorities continue to monitor the outbreak closely as efforts intensify to contain the spread of the virus and prevent further infections across the region.