Ebola: Pierre Somsé warns of spread risk in Central African Republic
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Centra News
Central African Health Minister Pierre Somsé warns of the risk of Ebola spreading from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where cases have been reported in Yakouma, near the Central African border. The minister also reports the epidemic front advancing in Haut-Uélé, near Bambouti and Obo, and calls for increased health vigilance, according to Centra News.
Central African Minister of Health and Population Pierre Somsé has warned of the risk of spread of Ebola virus disease from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the Central African Republic, particularly in border areas. He called for increased vigilance and strengthened national preparedness and response measures, according to Centra-News.
Cases that appeared in Yakouma, in the DRC, opposite the Central African localities of Rwango-Gambo and Bema, are increasing the risk of cross-border transmission, Pierre Somsé explained. The minister also reported the epidemic front advancing in Haut-Uélé towards Bambouti, Obo and other areas of the far south-east of the Central African Republic. In Nord-Oubangui, cases are increasing, while the situation remains stable in Sud-Oubangui, where two cases had previously been recorded, including one death and one contact case declared cured.
Four priorities have been identified: strengthening the link between peace and health, mobilising religious and traditional leaders, extending health preparedness across the entire territory and improving surveillance of community deaths. Pierre Somsé notably cited Ituri, in the DRC, where conflicts and instability delayed health interventions and contributed to the spread of the disease, according to Centra-News.
The minister asked political leaders, particularly those in the opposition, to avoid actions likely to weaken the national health response. He also announced increased mobilisation of religious leaders and community leaders, citing the pastoral message from Bishop Olivier, of the Diocese of Bangassou, according to Centra-News.
