The medical director of Watsa's general hospital, Jean-Roger Malitano, has appealed for material and financial support to strengthen the response to the Ebola outbreak in the Haut-Uélé province. Watsa is one of seven territories affected by the epidemic. Malitano emphasized that the area has not recorded a positive case so far, but the surveillance team is working tirelessly to investigate all alert cases.
The hospital's laboratory, located at the INRB in Kibali, is conducting tests on alert and suspect cases. Malitano stressed that the team needs essential supplies to enhance their response efforts. He also highlighted the importance of motivating frontline personnel who have been working since the start of the epidemic. The current response measures include handwashing kits with chlorinated water, gloves, and alcohol gel.
However, Malitano noted that essential equipment, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), is lacking. The hospital receives patients at all times, and the staff is struggling due to the lack of PPE for individual protection. Malitano urged health and provincial authorities to provide the necessary resources to improve the response efforts.
The population in Watsa has been actively involved in adhering to barrier measures and participating in sensitization efforts to combat the epidemic. Malitano emphasized that Ebola is a real disease that exists and kills. He warned against relying on rumors and encouraged people to seek medical attention directly at the hospital if they feel unwell.
Malitano also addressed the issue of water-borne diseases, which are common in the area. He stated that out of ten patients admitted to the hospital, seven present with typhoid problems due to the lack of access to clean water. The hospital itself faces challenges with water shortages, affecting patient care.
The medical director expressed gratitude to President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, the head of the Ebola response task force, and the provincial governor for their efforts to eradicate the epidemic. He appealed for their intervention to address the hospital's needs, including the rehabilitation of dilapidated buildings and the provision of essential resources.
The situation in Watsa highlights the ongoing challenges in responding to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC. The call for additional resources and support underscores the need for sustained efforts to combat the epidemic. The response efforts require a multi-faceted approach, including the provision of essential supplies, infrastructure support, and community engagement.
Key points
- The medical director of Watsa's general hospital is calling for material and financial support to strengthen the response to the Ebola outbreak.
- The hospital is struggling with a lack of essential equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Water-borne diseases, such as typhoid, are common in the area due to the lack of access to clean water.
