Brussels: The European Commission is actively responding to the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by procuring diagnostic tests valued at £2.5 million. These tests are set to be donated to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to Cyprus News Agency, with the support of the European Health and Digital Executive Agency, the Commission's contribution includes £2.5 million worth of rapid molecular point-of-care tests and testing instruments. These essential resources aim to enhance the diagnostic capabilities of the Africa CDC in combating the outbreak.
A European Commission press release indicates that the initial deliveries of these tests will commence in August. Additionally, there is an ongoing agreement in collaboration with the World Health Organization to prepare for the provision of further tests.
Hadja Lahbib, the Commissioner for Crisis Management, emphasized the importance of timely intervention during an Ebola outbreak, highlighting the role of these tests in early detection, expedited patient care, and containment of the virus.
Lahbib stated, "Europe is turning what we heard on the ground into concrete support, working together with Africa CDC and the WHO."
The Commission's response has been a coordinated effort from the outset, involving Member States, international organizations, and partners.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in 3,381 confirmed cases and 1,489 deaths. In Uganda, 20 confirmed cases and two deaths have been reported.
The Commission has also mobilized £493 million in emergency aid, vaccines, treatment, and health security measures in the Great Lakes and Uganda region. The ECDC currently assesses the risk of Ebola to people in Europe as very low.