Why WHO Declared No Global Emergency Amid Congo’s Second-Largest Ebola Outbreak
The World Health Organization (WHO) has not declared the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a global emergency, despite it being the second-largest outbreak since the 2014 epidemic. This decision prompts a closer look into the criteria the WHO uses to declare a global health emergency and the specific reasons behind this particular case.
Criteria for Declaring a Global Emergency
According to the WHO, a global health emergency can be declared if a special emergency committee agrees that the outbreak meets the formal definition of an epidemic. This involves the outbreak being extraordinary, posing a high risk to other countries, and requiring an immediate coordinated global response. This stringent evaluation criteria is designed to ensure that a genuine global threat is flagged, avoiding unnecessary panic.
WHO’s Assessment of the Current Outbreak
The WHO’s emergency committee assessed the outbreak and determined that it does not yet meet all the criteria for a global emergency. While acknowledging that the Ebola outbreak in DRC is indeed extraordinary, the organization also highlighted the ongoing response efforts in the region. The committee believed that declaring a formal international emergency would not significantly enhance these efforts.
Why Not a Global Emergency?
Despite the significant number of lives affected, the 1,400 deaths since August 2018, the WHO believes the current response mechanisms in place are sufficient. Political instability and ongoing violence are cited as major challenges that constantly disrupt efforts to control the outbreak. Reports suggest that these intermittent disruptions have prevented sustained and effective intervention, allowing the virus to spread.
International Spread
A global emergency could also involve an increased risk of international spread, which the WHO has addressed. Although the current outbreak was the first to spread internationally, a notable case was documented just recently. A 5-year-old boy and his 75-year-old grandmother, who crossed into Uganda through the eastern border of the DRC, were both confirmed to have the Ebola virus. This incident, while concerning, is still limited in scope and scale compared to a fully-fledged international emergency.
Funding Gap for Effective Response
Another significant factor cited by the WHO is the substantial funding gap that exists. A whopping 54 million dollars is required for an effective response to control this outbreak in the DRC and neighboring regions. This financial shortfall hinders the speed and extent of the response, which, in turn, influences the decision-making process of whether to declare a global emergency or not.
Conclusion
The current stance of the WHO highlights the complexity of declaring a global emergency and the careful consideration of all factors involved. While the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC is undoubtedly severe, the global health community is taking a measured approach. Continued efforts to address political instability, violence, and funding gaps are crucial to effectively manage this outbreak and prevent further spread.
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