The <a href="https://absafricatv.com/south-africa-withdraws-ai-policy-filled-with-ai-hallucinations/” title=”South Africa withdraws AI policy filled with AI hallucinations”>African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved $13 million in emergency grants to strengthen efforts to contain the Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
The funding is aimed at reinforcing national emergency responses, curbing the spread of the virus and reducing deaths and illness in the most affected and vulnerable communities.
The outbreak was first reported by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on 15 May in the Ituri province in the country’s east, with cases also reported in Bunia, Rwampara and Mongwalu.
Since then, the outbreak has spread to the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
Under the funding package, $10 million will be drawn from reallocated reortfolio and channelled through the World Health Organisation
A further $3 million will come from the bank’s Multi-Country Emergency Assistance Project covering the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, with implementation led by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
The DRC, which is at the centre of the outbreak, will receive $11 million, while Uganda and South Sudan will each receive $1 million.
The funds will be used in coordination with national health ministries to strengthen early diagnosis, epidemiological surveillance, community engagement, public awareness and regional coordination, according to a statement issued by the AfDB.
“This emergency support reflects the African Development Bank Group’s commitment to supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo and countries in the region in protecting human lives, strengthening the resilience of health systems and preventing the spread of the epidemic,” said Mohamed Cherif, Deputy Director General for Central Africa and DRC country manager at the African Development Bank Group.
“Through this support, the Bank Group reaffirms its commitment to standing by regional member countries in times of crisis,” he added.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. The strain is described as particularly virulent, and there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for it.
The AfDB said the emergency funding forms part of its Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak Response Plan and is intended to help countries halt transmission while reducing mortality and morbidity, particularly in areas facing the greatest risks. – SAnews.gov.za
