Bunai, May 29:
Emergency aid supplies have reached northeastern Congo as authorities struggle to contain an outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola amid insecurity and shortages of medical equipment. A cargo plane delivered masks, gloves, boots and medicines donated by the European Union to Bunia, the centre of the outbreak in Ituri province. Health workers have faced severe challenges, including attacks on medical centres, distrust among local communities and ongoing violence by armed groups. Doctors were reportedly using expired masks while treating suspected patients. The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak a global public health emergency, and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is travelling to Congo to assess response efforts. Congo has reported more than 1,000 suspected cases and at least 220 deaths since May 15, while neighbouring Uganda has confirmed seven cases and one death. Aid agencies warn that conflict, poor infrastructure and logistical hurdles are hampering containment efforts.