Key facts
- Medics in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are facing critical shortages of personal protective equipment.
- The Ebola outbreak has resulted in over 100 confirmed deaths and 550 cases in the DRC.
- 34 healthcare workers have been infected, and seven have died from the virus.
- The cost of high-protection suits has increased by 40% due to supply chain disruptions.
- The U.S. is the largest financial contributor to the Ebola response, pledging over $200 million.
- Aid sources suggest U.S. funding cutbacks have challenged the response efforts.
Medics in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are facing critical shortages of essential personal protective equipment (PPE) as the Ebola outbreak intensifies, according to health officials and aid workers. Despite major donor funding surges, the scale of the outbreak, reduced pre-positioned stocks from aid cuts, and logistical challenges have led to shortages and increased costs for vital supplies.
The International Rescue Committee has warned that essential protective equipment could run out within days. In North Kivu province, where over 550 cases and 100 deaths have been confirmed, medical teams are reportedly exhausting supplies like chlorine and lacking items such as boots. Improvised measures are being used, with one suspected Ebola victim's body transported on a taxi roof due to a lack of body bags or ambulances.
As of June 4, only a quarter of critical supplies needed for the next three months had arrived in Congo and Uganda, with face shields and alcoholic gel particularly scarce. The cost of available PPE has risen significantly, partly due to disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz closure affecting imports and driving up transport costs on alternative routes. High-protection suits have seen a 40% price increase to around $35. Procurement is further complicated by insecurity and limited transport infrastructure in eastern Congo, with the Bunia airport closed and Uganda having shut its border.
The U.S. has pledged over $200 million and delivered 150 tons of medical supplies, making it the largest financial contributor. However, first responders suggest that U.S. funding cutbacks and its withdrawal from the WHO have hampered the response, which is described as playing catch-up due to the outbreak's late detection. Previously, the U.S. played a leading role in pre-positioning stocks and rapid delivery, but current systems are reportedly less efficient.