Ebola deaths in DR Congo surpass 300, funding shortfall hampers response

The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 300, with more than 1,100 confirmed infections recorded since the epidemic was declared on May 15, health authorities said on June 26.

The country's Health Ministry said the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus has spread across 34 health zones and remains active in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

As of June 26, the ministry had confirmed 1,155 cases, including 304 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 26.3%.

The ministry also reported 16 new recoveries in Ituri province, bringing the total number of recovered patients to 138.

Meanwhile, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said the regional Ebola response requires $1.4 billion to meet humanitarian and public health needs.

Although African countries and international partners pledged $910 million during a recent African Union-led meeting, Africa CDC said only 13% of the pledged funding has so far been disbursed to affected countries and operational partners.

The Congolese government has imposed a mandatory 21-day quarantine for travellers arriving from affected areas in an effort to contain the outbreak.

By Sabina Mammadli