UN Announces Opening of DRC’s Largest Ebola Treatment Centre As Cases Rise

The United Nations says health partners will open the largest Ebola treatment centre in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) this week as cases of the deadly disease continue to increase.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the outbreak has recorded 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths since it was declared in mid-May.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says the new facility, which has a 100-bed capacity, will help health workers identify suspected cases faster and provide treatment for confirmed patients.

The development comes as DRC reports a sharp rise in Ebola infections, with the disease spreading among communities already affected by conflict and hunger.

The World Food Programme’s acting chief, Carl Skau, warned that Ebola is moving quickly and worsening the challenges faced by vulnerable people in eastern DRC.