Ebola in DR Congo: infections falling since August peak
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Actualité.cd
Singoma Mwanza, MP and chair of the National Assembly’s Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, reports that Ebola infections have declined since their August peak, when about 120 cases a day were recorded. After hearing Health Minister Roger Kamba, he says the outbreak is far from under control, is concerned about deaths and urges the government to step up its response.
Singoma Mwanza, MP and chair of the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee of the National Assembly of DR Congo, notes that Ebola infections have been falling since their August peak. He said so after hearing Public Health Minister Roger Kamba on Friday 13 November. The peak had reached around 120 cases a day, according to him: “The peak in infections is now falling.” He adds, however, that the outbreak is not under control.
The MP is concerned about the deaths that continue to be recorded in affected communities. He calls on the government, particularly the Health Ministry, to maintain and step up its efforts until the end of the outbreak. The committee intends to continue its oversight in the coming weeks.
Free maternity care, announced by President Félix Tshisekedi on 30 June 2022, is still stuck on funding. Among the new mechanisms presented to MPs by Roger Kamba are the health promotion tax (TPS) and health insurance. In Singoma Mwanza’s view, it will be necessary to ensure that these funds actually reach the health centres that care for pregnant women and newborns.
On 19 October, 9,415 cases and 4,536 deaths had already been recorded. Since then, DR Congo has surpassed 11,000 confirmed cases.
