One year with Ebola - Demoratic Republic Congo

The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has been present in eastern DR Congo since August 1, 2018. On July 17 2019, the epidemic was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its continued development and the first reported case in the city of Goma, which further increased the risk of regional spread. The virus continues to be concentrated in North Kivu, with the city of Beni remaining the epicentre of the epidemic.

This current epidemic is very complex as insecurity hinders public health response activities. Factors affecting the epidemic include population movements in densely populated areas, weak infection control and prevention practices in many health facilities, a complex political environment, persistent community reluctance, and a constant unstable security situation.