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The European Union (EU) says it has delivered 100 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, including medicines, tents and protective equipment, to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where authorities are battling an Ebola outbreak.
The aid was flown into the remote Ituri province on Sunday under a “humanitarian air bridge” arrangement coordinated with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), according to a statement from the European Commission.
The Democratic Republic of Congo declared the outbreak on May 15, while the World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified it as an international health emergency.
The latest figures from the WHO put infections at 452 cases across the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring Uganda, with 82 deaths recorded.
Health officials say the current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is no specific vaccine or approved treatment.
The affected region remains difficult to access due to poor road infrastructure and insecurity linked to armed groups operating in parts of eastern Congo.
European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, who visited Bunia airport on Sunday, called for safe and unhindered access for humanitarian and health workers operating in the area.
She urged authorities and all relevant actors to ensure aid reaches those in need without obstruction as response efforts continue.
