By Staff Reporter
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Sunday attended the official opening of a new Ebola treatment centre in Bunia, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as authorities intensify efforts to contain a rapidly spreading outbreak.
Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, has become the epicentre of the current outbreak involving the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. Health officials have expressed concern that the disease is spreading faster than response efforts, despite improved healthcare infrastructure and increased humanitarian support.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Dr. Tedros welcomed encouraging signs of recovery among patients, noting that five people had successfully recovered from the virus. Four patients were expected to be discharged on Sunday, while another had already left the treatment facility earlier in the week.
“I think four people will be discharged today, and one was discharged the day before yesterday. This shows that people can recover,” Tedros said.
Although there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, Tedros emphasized that early medical intervention significantly improves a patient’s chances of survival.
“While we continue working on vaccines and treatments, it is important for people to understand that recovery from Ebola is possible,” he said.
He added that the opening of the new treatment centre sends a strong message to communities that effective care is available and that seeking help early can save lives.
Tedros also stressed the importance of community participation in stopping the outbreak.
“Every citizen has a role to play. People must take care of themselves and look out for one another if we are to bring this outbreak under control quickly,” he said.
The newly opened facility has a total capacity of 100 beds, with 45 currently operational. Equipped with modern intensive care equipment, the centre is expected to strengthen the region’s ability to manage and treat Ebola patients.
The Congolese government will deploy a team of doctors, nurses, and intensive care specialists from Kinshasa to support operations at the centre. They will work alongside local healthcare workers and international partners.
The facility will serve as the primary treatment hub for Ebola patients from Bunia and surrounding areas as health authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak.
