WHO Reports Funding and Staffing Shortages in Congo Ebola Response

The WHO warned on Tuesday that a lack of funding and trained personnel is hindering the response to an Ebola outbreak that has spread across six provinces in Congo.

The epidemic has resulted in over 3,175 deaths and 6,000 cases, with the WHO estimating that 5,000 additional health workers are needed to staff 3,000 planned treatment beds.

Technical officer Luca Fontana noted that while 1,400 beds have been established across 59 centers, the current donor funding cuts are limiting the ability to scale operations further.