The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo could reach a major landmark today (Wednesday) if it declared a public health emergency of international concern by the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee.
In a statement made available to healthnews.africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed its Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has convened an Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Committee will meet today, 17 October in Geneva to ascertain whether the outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, and what recommendations should be made to manage the outbreak.
The Committee’s advice will be made public on WHO’s website and via a press conference (both will be monitored by healthnews.africa).
In a related development, Personnel from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who have been stationed in the Democratic Republic of Congo to help control the ongoing Ebola outbreak have been pulled back from the worst impacted areas due to safety concerns, a US government official familiar with the situation told CNN.
This week, healthnews.africa also reported security challenges are undermining Ebola response in DR Congo.
On 28 September 2018, based on the worsening security situation, WHO revised its risk assessment for the outbreak, elevating the risk at national and regional levels from high to very high.
“The risk remains low globally. WHO continues to advise against any restriction of travel to, and trade with, the Democratic Republic of the Congo based on currently available information,” WHO stated.
The Emergency Committee will provide advice on whether the current outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, and what recommendations should be made to manage the outbreak.
healthnews.africa will be monitoring the development.