Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo - WFP UNHAS 2018

May 2018 - A new outbreak of the Ebola virus disease was declared in 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 the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) managed by the World Food Programme (WFP) is helping to reduce and control the spread of the Ebola virus in DRC by responding to the logistical needs of the humanitarian community. Project activities include: (1) supporting logistical systems; and (2) providing air support services to enable efficient and effective humanitarian response.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved ability of humanitarian agencies to respond quickly and effectively to humanitarian needs; (2) enhanced capacity of humanitarian actors to identify investigate and interrupt the remaining chains of Ebola transmission; and (3) improved coordination and management of the international humanitarian response. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or acute food insecurity. .