Ebola Response Gains Momentum in kasai Province
A new Ebola treatment center (CTE) is now operational in Bulape, Kasai province, offering a crucial boost to the ongoing response to the recent outbreak. The center, located within the general referral hospital, is a collaborative effort between Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the World Health Organization (WHO), adn the Committee for the Coordination of Public Health Emergencies (COUSP).
Opened last weekend, the 32-bed facility – with 16 beds dedicated to confirmed cases – has already begun treating patients. Currently,three confirmed Ebola patients and thirteen suspected cases are under care. Encouragingly, two patients have already recovered and returned home.
MSF highlights the center’s design prioritizes both the safety of healthcare workers and the delivery of high-quality patient care. Beyond the CTE, MSF is also bolstering surrounding health facilities through training in infection prevention and control, improving the identification and management of potential cases across the region.
The WHO is contributing substantially through a deployed national rapid response team, supported by specialists in epidemiology, case management, laboratory work, and infection prevention. The organization has also delivered two tons of essential supplies, including personal protective equipment and mobile laboratory equipment.
This increased support comes as cases have risen in the Bulape and Mweka health zones since the epidemic was officially declared on september 4th. Recent data shows 7 new cases and 7 deaths, bringing the total outbreak-related fatalities to 42.
Despite the ongoing challenges, there is growing optimism. According to the director general of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), the Bulape health zone has reported no new confirmed cases in the last 15 days.
Joshua Mutanava
