DRC - Ebola Virus Disease - UNICEF 2018

May 2018 - A new outbreak of the Ebola virus disease was declared in the Equateur province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on May 8 2018. Although it is too early to predict the trajectory of this outbreak there are concerns regarding the containment and prevention of the virus as it has spread from three rural health zones to the provincial capital of Mbandaka a large urban centre with national and international transportation routes increasing the risk of it spreading further within the DRC and neighbouring countries. Based on lessons learned from the 2014 West Africa Ebola outbreak an early response is required to help mitigate and contain the spread. With GAC’s support UNICEF is helping to reduce and control the spread of the Ebola virus in DRC by basic health water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and protection needs of persons infected by or at risk of contracting Ebola in the affected health zones. Project activities include: (1) equipping health care structures for the management of medical waste and building emergency latrines in health facilities in affected areas; (2) providing the health zone with care inputs and essential drugs to maintain access to basic health services; (3) distributing WASH kits to households and pre-position disinfection equipment; and (4) providing psychosocial support to suspected cases and contacts.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to emergency medical care for people infected by or at risk of contracting Ebola; (2) improved access to safe water and sanitation services; and (3) increased access to protection services for affected populations. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or acute food insecurity.