The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has announced that five patients infected with the rare Ebola strain, Bundibugyo virus, have recovered following the opening of a new treatment centre in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo.
The WHO confirmed that the newly established treatment facility in Bunia has a capacity of 24 beds, which can be expanded up to 60 beds if required to manage a possible rise in cases. Health officials said the centre is playing a key role in improving patient care and response efforts in the ongoing outbreak.
According to Ghebreyesus, while there are still no approved specific treatments or vaccines for this particular Ebola strain, recovery remains possible with timely medical care. He noted that the five recoveries represent some of the first documented recoveries in the current outbreak, with four of the patients being frontline health workers.
As reported on Gold 101.3 FM, UAE’s No.1 Radio Station, health authorities continue to closely monitor the evolving situation as cases rise across affected regions.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo has reported that confirmed Ebola cases have increased to 282, with 42 recorded deaths so far. In neighbouring Uganda, nine cases and one death have been confirmed, while outside Africa, Brazil is monitoring two suspected cases in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
The WHO chief has also urged countries to reconsider travel bans and border closures imposed in response to the outbreak. He stated that such measures can hinder effective response efforts and discourage transparency and cooperation in managing the disease.
Following the WHO’s declaration of Ebola as a “Global Health Emergency,” several countries introduced travel restrictions. In India, authorities issued advisories and strengthened surveillance at airports, border checkpoints and other entry points as a precautionary measure.
Health agencies worldwide continue to coordinate response efforts as the outbreak develops, with a focus on treatment, containment and monitoring of new cases.
