Insecurity continues to impact Ebola outbreak response in DR Congo — UN

UNITED NATIONS — Insecurity continues to impact humanitarian operations in North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including UN efforts to respond to the ongoing Ebola outbreak, a UN spokesperson said.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, said at a daily briefing on Wednesday (local time) that according to local civil society organisations, at least 30 people were killed and a dozen others injured in a series of attacks in the province's Beni territory between July 13 and 19, and the violence has displaced civilians and restricted humanitarian access in affected areas, reports Xinhua news agency.

At least six humanitarian organisations, including partners supporting the Ebola response, have suspended movements to several localities in Beni territory due to the deteriorating security situation, Dujarric said, quoting the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

As of July 20, national health authorities in the DRC had reported 2,473 confirmed Ebola cases across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo, he said.

The United Nations, along with its humanitarian partners, continues to support the authorities in scaling up surveillance, laboratory testing, treatment and community engagement activities in all areas that have reported the Ebola virus, the spokesperson said.

"The UN reiterates its call on all parties to protect civilians and ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access," he said, adding that the safety of all health workers and humanitarian personnel remains essential to containing the outbreak and delivering assistance to everyone in need.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, was declared on May 15. It has since spread to five provinces. Population movements, insecurity, artisanal mining activities and cross-border exchanges with Uganda and South Sudan continue to facilitate transmission.