UN warns insecurity continues to undermine Ebola response in DR Congo

The United Nations (UN) has warned that persistent insecurity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's North Kivu province is disrupting humanitarian operations, including efforts to contain the ongoing Ebola outbreak.

Speaking at the daily press briefing on Wednesday, UN Secretary-General's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said local civil society organizations reported that at least 30 people were killed and a dozen others injured in a series of attacks in Beni territory between July 13 and 19. He added that the violence has forced civilians to flee their homes and limited humanitarian access to affected communities.

At least six humanitarian organizations, including partners supporting the Ebola response, have suspended movements to several localities in Beni territory due to the deteriorating security situation, Dujarric said, quoting the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

As of July 20, national health authorities in the DRC had reported 2,473 confirmed Ebola cases across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo, he said.

The United Nations, along with its humanitarian partners, continues to support the authorities in scaling up surveillance, laboratory testing, treatment and community engagement activities in all areas that have reported the Ebola virus, the spokesperson said.

"The UN reiterates its call on all parties to protect civilians and ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access," he said, adding that the safety of all health workers and humanitarian personnel remains essential to containing the outbreak and delivering assistance to everyone in need.