WFP warns hunger crisis is undermining DR Congo Ebola response

The World Food Programme has warned that severe hunger is undermining efforts to contain an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and is calling for food assistance to be included in the emergency response.

The WFP said more than 500,000 people in Ituri province, the outbreak’s epicenter, are facing emergency levels of hunger. It warned that food insecurity can make it harder for people to follow health measures and that proper nutrition is important for patients’ recovery.

The current outbreak has recorded 6,757 confirmed cases and 3,267 deaths, with a fatality rate of about 48 percent. The virus has spread across 61 health zones in six eastern provinces, with Ituri accounting for about 80 percent of confirmed cases. Credit : CGTN