The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concern over the recent attacks on the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)-run Ebola treatment centers on 24 February in Katwa and on 27 February in Butembo in DRC.
WHO termed the attacks as deplorable for their immediate impact on lives and for the risk of spreading the disease further adding that they are profoundly disrespectful of the dedicated work of local, regional and international responders.
“Following the most recent Butembo attack, WHO and partners are working to ensure the safety of the patients and staff. Patients have been transferred to the Katwa transit center, which WHO is expanding to the house and treat these additional patients. It is a priority of the response to ensure quality clinical care for the patients. Staff on the ground are also working to follow up with the four convalescent patients who sought shelter elsewhere during the violence,” read a statement from WHO.
MSF reported that their staff was safe. Likewise, WHO staff in the area are all accounted for. However, security services did experience casualties.
The attacks occurred in areas with ongoing transmission of Ebola in the community and could lead to increases in transmission and result in more hardship for the local community.
The violence and disruption to the treatment centers also make it difficult for Ebola responders to carry out fieldwork.
“WHO teams on the ground continue to work tirelessly to respond to the challenges. WHO is working closely with our partners to determine the appropriate action to ensure the overall Ebola response is maintained. Working with the Ministry of Health and our partners, our priority continues to be to end the outbreak.
No staff or patients were harmed, but both attacks were traumatic for patients, their relatives, and staff who were inside the centers at the time. The caretaker of one patient died during the attack on the center in Katwa, allegedly when he tried to flee.
Almost seven months after the beginning of the current Ebola outbreak in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, there have been 879 confirmed cases of Ebola and 553 people have died (488 deaths are confirmed cases).