The Democratic Republic of Congo's National Assembly has urged the government to intensify its efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak, despite a decline in new cases. Singoma Mwanza, chair of the Assembly's Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, made the call after a meeting with Health Minister Roger Kamba. Mwanza emphasized that the government must not relax its efforts, as the epidemic is not yet under control.
According to Mwanza, the number of new Ebola cases has decreased significantly since August, when it peaked at around 120 cases per day. However, he stressed that this decline does not mean the epidemic is under control. The government must continue to work to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. Mwanza expressed concern about the continued deaths being reported in affected communities.
The National Assembly's call for intensified efforts comes as the government faces challenges in implementing its policy of free maternity care. The policy, announced by President Félix Tshisekedi in June 2022, aims to provide financial support to families. However, its implementation has been hindered by funding issues. Minister Kamba presented new mechanisms to support the policy, including a health promotion tax and health insurance.
Mwanza emphasized the need for the government to ensure that funds allocated for free maternity care are effectively used. He stressed that it is not enough to mobilize financial resources, but also to guarantee that they reach health facilities. The Monitoring and Evaluation Committee will continue to monitor the situation and assess the government's response to the Ebola outbreak and the implementation of free maternity care.
The committee will examine funding mechanisms, the level of equipment in health facilities, and the conditions of care for pregnant women and newborns. Mwanza warned that the committee's work is not yet done and that it will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that challenges are addressed. The government has faced criticism for its handling of the Ebola outbreak, which has claimed thousands of lives.
In addition to the Ebola response, Mwanza praised President Tshisekedi's diplomatic and military efforts to restore peace in eastern DR Congo. The region has been plagued by violence and instability for years, and the president's efforts have been seen as a positive step towards resolving the conflict.
The National Assembly's call for intensified Ebola response efforts comes as the country faces multiple challenges, including the ongoing conflict in the east and the need to improve healthcare infrastructure. The government must balance competing priorities and allocate resources effectively to address these challenges. Mwanza's comments highlight the need for sustained efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak and improve healthcare services.
Key points
- The DR Congo government has been urged to intensify its response to the Ebola outbreak, despite a decline in new cases.
- The National Assembly's Monitoring and Evaluation Committee will continue to monitor the government's response to the Ebola outbreak and the implementation of free maternity care.
- President Tshisekedi's efforts to restore peace in eastern DR Congo have been praised by the National Assembly.
