European Commission Sends 100 Tonnes of Aid to Eastern DRC as Ebola Outbreak Spreads
Updated
Updated · The Brussels Times · May 25
European Commission Sends 100 Tonnes of Aid to Eastern DRC as Ebola Outbreak Spreads
10 articles · Updated · The Brussels Times · May 25
A relief flight carrying 100 tonnes of medicines, protective gear, tents and infection-control supplies left Liège on Monday for Ituri Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with arrival due Tuesday via Nairobi.
The shipment follows a new Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, where UNICEF said there is no vaccine or targeted treatment available, making containment the immediate priority.
An additional €15 million in EU humanitarian funding was allocated earlier this week to Congo and Uganda to support the wider response to a threat Brussels called both national and regional.
Hadja Lahbib, the EU crisis management commissioner, attended the send-off in Liège and said the epidemic requires full international attention and solidarity.
Amidst armed conflict and deep community mistrust, can 100 tonnes of aid actually reach those who need it most?
With no vaccine for this Ebola strain, are health workers fighting a losing battle against a regional catastrophe?