Red Cross Raises Alarm After Attacks Injure Ebola Response Workers In DR Congo

The Red Cross has raised alarm after six Ebola response workers were injured in separate attacks in the Democratic Republic of Congo last week. Ambulances, vehicles and medical equipment were also damaged. The violence brings the number of volunteers injured since the outbreak began to 12, following 11 reported attacks. Tensions have grown over Ebola burial procedures, while the WHO says the outbreak has caused 2,557 deaths from 5,375 confirmed cases.

The Red Cross has raised alarm over a series of attacks on humanitarian workers helping to contain a deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Six workers were injured in separate incidents last week, while ambulances, vehicles and equipment being used in the emergency response were damaged or destroyed.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, together with the Red Cross societies of the DRC and Uganda, condemned the violence and called for humanitarian workers and medical operations to be protected.

ATTACKS TARGET EBOLA RESPONSE TEAMS

The first incident occurred on August 17 in Ituri province, the epicentre of the outbreak.
A Ugandan Red Cross convoy supporting the Ebola response was attacked. One person suffered serious injuries, while two ambulances were hit with stones and vandalised.
The following day, two volunteers were injured while carrying out a burial in Haut-Uele province. They were evacuated for medical treatment, while two vehicles were damaged during the incident.
On Wednesday, three volunteers were attacked and injured in Beni, in North Kivu province. Equipment being used in the Ebola response was also destroyed.

12 VOLUNTEERS INJURED SINCE OUTBREAK BEGAN

The Red Cross said the latest attacks highlight the growing risks faced by humanitarian workers operating during disease outbreaks and other emergencies.
Since the Ebola outbreak was declared on May 15, there have been 11 violent incidents, resulting in 12 volunteers being injured.
Ambulances have also been damaged and emergency response equipment destroyed.
The Red Cross warned that every injured worker and damaged vehicle reduces the ability of health teams to reach affected communities and provide urgent assistance.

TENSIONS OVER EBOLA BURIALS

Tensions have also emerged between response teams and some local communities over the handling of people who die from Ebola.
Burials must be carried out under strict safety procedures because the virus can remain present in the bodies of infected people after death and can spread through contact with bodily fluids.
Some communities have reportedly resisted the procedures, creating additional challenges for health workers trying to prevent further transmission.

DEADLY OUTBREAK CHALLENGES HEALTH
AUTHORITIES

The outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which there are currently no widely available vaccines or specific treatments.
According to figures cited from the World Health Organization, the outbreak has resulted in 5,375 confirmed cases and 2,557 deaths in the DRC.
The scale of the outbreak has made it the largest Ebola outbreak recorded in the country's history.

WHO CALLS FOR STRONGER MEASURES

The WHO has urged the Congolese authorities to strengthen measures aimed at limiting the spread of the virus.
It called for health screening at traffic checkpoints in areas where Ebola is spreading and recommended restrictions on motorcycle use to reduce unnecessary contact and movement.
The organisation also called for international health workers and medical supplies to be allowed into the country more easily, warning that bureaucratic delays could hinder the emergency response.

VIOLENCE COULD WORSEN THE OUTBREAK

Humanitarian organisations say security is essential to containing the epidemic.
Continued attacks could prevent health workers from reaching affected communities, delay safe burials and reduce access to medical assistance.
The Red Cross stressed that humanitarian personnel and their activities must be respected so that communities affected by Ebola can continue receiving the emergency services they urgently need.
With the outbreak already claiming thousands of lives, health authorities face the difficult task of controlling the disease while also protecting the workers on the front line of the response.