The provincial health minister of Tshopo, Dr. Simon Bokongo Kawaya, has called for enhanced training and capacity building for medical doctors in the region to combat the rising Ebola epidemic. This appeal was made during a meeting of the provincial coordination committee to fight Ebola in Kisangani, the capital city of Tshopo. The minister emphasized the need for medical professionals, particularly doctors in major health structures, to be equipped to effectively tackle the epidemic.
Dr. Bokongo Kawaya noted that despite having over 400 doctors in Kisangani, only a few have received briefing and preparation to face the epidemic. He cited the recent situation at Desmet Hospital of Kisangani as an example of the consequences of inadequate preparation. The minister stressed that it is crucial to recycle and equip medical professionals to be effective in fighting the Ebola outbreak.
The health minister highlighted that the response to the first Ebola epidemic in Tshopo has been organized similarly to the usual preparation for polio, but with a different approach to address the danger posed by the Ebola virus. He emphasized that over 400 doctors who are in constant contact with patients should not be left out of the training and preparation efforts.
Dr. Bokongo Kawaya pointed out that there is a need to allocate resources to train and equip medical doctors, just as there is for community sensitization. He concluded that the target has shifted to avoid closing down health structures in series in Tshopo. The minister's call for action aims to improve the prevention of infections in health facilities and ensure safer patient care.
The meeting of the provincial coordination committee provided an opportunity for the health minister and health partners to discuss and strengthen actions to combat the Ebola outbreak in Tshopo. The training of medical personnel was identified as a key measure to enhance prevention and response efforts.
According to Dr. Bokongo Kawaya, the infection of medical doctors by the Ebola virus is often a result of lack of training and information on the disease. He emphasized that it is essential to sensitize and train all doctors in Kisangani on Ebola prevention to prevent further infections.
The provincial health minister's appeal is part of the efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in Tshopo and prevent further spread of the disease. The situation remains a concern, with the health sector working to enhance preparedness and response measures to mitigate the impact of the epidemic.
Key points
- DR Congo's Tshopo province health minister calls for enhanced Ebola training for medical doctors
- Over 400 doctors in Kisangani to receive Ebola training
- Training aims to improve prevention of infections in health facilities and ensure safer patient care
