How to resolve AdBlock issue? USAID Pledges $98 Million in Support for Ebola Outbreak
On July 2nd the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced they would be giving $98 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to assist in the fight against the current Ebola outbreak.
"With this funding, USAID is providing lifesaving assistance, including infection prevention and control activities, training for health care workers, community engagement interventions, promotion of safe and dignified burials, and food assistance for people and communities affected by Ebola. This assistance is also bolstering preparedness efforts in Goma city for communities at risk of Ebola," the agency said in a press release.
As of July 1, health officials have reported at least 2,338 confirmed and probable cases, including at least 1,571 related deaths in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. This Ebola outbreak is the second largest recorded outbreak of the disease, eclipsed only by the 2014 West Africa epidemic that killed more than 11,000 people. This outbreak presents a unique set of challenges, including insecurity and difficulty earning community acceptance for the response. A robust, unified response by the Government of the DRC, United Nations, other Great Lake countries, the United States, and the international community in partnership with local communities must occur and is critical to stopping the spread of the disease.
No American personnel have been on the ground in the DRC since they were removed in September 2018 due to the threats of violence.