French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has announced that France will increase its support for efforts to eradicate Ebola in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. During a visit to the northeastern city of Bunia, Barrot warned that the virus could quickly resurge if vigilance waned. He made the rare trip to the region, which has been hit by the virus, to show France's commitment to containing the epidemic.
Barrot's visit comes after a laboratory-confirmed case of mpox was identified in Bunia in mid-September. He praised Congolese authorities, UN agencies, humanitarian organisations, and medical workers for containing the epidemic and preventing it from spreading to major urban centres in Congo and beyond. The French government has already allocated €13.4 million ($15.1 million) to the fight against Ebola between January and July.
Barrot said he would propose additional humanitarian funding for Ebola during upcoming French budget discussions. France's response to the Ebola outbreak has come through humanitarian aid, medical research, and the PRISM programme launched during President Emmanuel Macron's 2023 visit. The programme aims to strengthen the global response to epidemics.
A national humanitarian conference is to be held in Paris on October 6, during which Ebola will be discussed. Barrot emphasised the importance of preventing the resurgence of Ebola, saying that it "may seem far away to some people or political leaders, but it can return very quickly." He stressed that the responsibility to prevent resurgences lies with the international community.
Barrot's comments come amid concerns that Ebola could spread beyond Congo. When asked whether the virus could spread after a case was reported in France, Barrot said that there is no need to fear or worry. He emphasised that the epidemic must be fought where it emerges, and that the international community must work together to contain it.
The French government's increased support for Ebola efforts in Congo is seen as a positive step towards containing the epidemic. The World Health Organization and other global health authorities have been working closely with Congolese authorities to respond to the outbreak. Barrot's visit to Bunia highlights the importance of international cooperation in responding to global health crises.
The situation in Congo remains fragile, with the risk of Ebola resurgence still present. Barrot's call for vigilance and increased funding is a reminder that the international community must remain committed to containing the epidemic. The French government's additional funding will help support efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola and strengthen the global response to the outbreak.
Key points
- France to increase Ebola funding in Congo amid resurgence fears
- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visits Bunia to show France's commitment to containing the epidemic
- Barrot proposes additional humanitarian funding for Ebola during French budget discussions
