[Photo: WHO]
The World Health Organization (WHO) has started an Ebola vaccination drive DR Congo, following a new outbreak of Ebola in the country.
So far 200 doses arrived in the city of Mbandaka where the cases were reported.
WHO says front line medical staff are also being prioritized.
It said a sample examined at DR Congo’s National Biomedical Centre had indicated a new strain of the disease.
“With effective vaccines at hand and the experience of the Democratic Republic of the Congo health workers in Ebola response, we can quickly change the course of this outbreak for the better,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. “We are supporting the country in all the key aspects of Ebola emergency response to protect and save lives.”
This is as after on Monday, health authorities said more than 100 people had been infected.
It follows the deaths of two people from Ebola since 21 April.
More than 230 contacts of the deceased have been identified and monitored and three vaccination teams will work to reach those at highest risk.
A 20-bed Ebola treatment centre has been set up in Mbandaka.
Disease surveillance and investigation of suspected cases are underway to detect any new infections, with WHO providing material support as well as six epidemiologists to assist in the response.
A newsmaker, reporter and anchor at Pearl Radio, Ndalilah Sharon is witty and savvy.
She is also a firm believer of Christ.