AGP Executive Report

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Health Ministry says the Ebola outbreak has passed its peak, with new cases declining and 19 of 63 affected health zones reporting no new infections for over 21 days, but officials stress transmission is still active in hotspots like Ituri and North Kivu. Accountability & Funding: Kinshasa reports about $227 million mobilised for the first response phase, with only 25% of 97 partner organisations justifying funds so far, and warns partners may face coercive measures without accreditation. International Support: France’s foreign minister pledged assistance after meeting President Félix Tshisekedi, with plans to visit Bunia in Ituri. Surveillance Warning: Africa CDC and MSF caution that the drop in reported cases may reflect surveillance gaps and insecurity, meaning the real toll could be higher. Health System Signals: In Beni, ten Ebola patients were discharged as cured, the first recoveries reported since the city’s resurgence. Public Health Risk Beyond Ebola: A Congo River boat collision in Equateur killed at least 30 and left dozens missing, with oil spill complicating rescue efforts. Community & Wellness: NBA Africa and Quest Water Global launched a Mutombo-linked plan to build or renovate 55 basketball courts across the DRC by 2030, starting in Kinshasa.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Health Ministry says the Ebola outbreak has passed its peak, with new cases declining after a late-July high; the infection reproduction rate reportedly fell from 1.15 to 0.97, and 19 of 63 affected health zones have gone over 21 days without new cases (including 11 zones over 42 days). Hotspots & Caution: Officials stress transmission is still active in hotspots, especially Ituri and North Kivu, while Africa CDC warns the recent drop could reflect surveillance gaps rather than true control. Deaths & Recoveries: The outbreak has killed 4,018 people out of 8,300 confirmed cases, with 2,162 recoveries; MSF says the real toll may be higher due to missed cases. Response Funding & Accountability: Kinshasa says about $227 million was mobilized for the first phase, but only 25% of 97 partner organizations have justified funds; from now on, partners must be accredited and disclose funding sources and spending. Treatment Milestone: In Beni, 10 Ebola-positive patients were discharged after 10–22 days of care, as teams continue monitoring and contact tracing. International Support: France’s foreign minister pledged assistance and plans to visit Bunia in Ituri.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Ministry of Health says the Ebola outbreak has passed its peak, with new cases declining and the reproduction rate dropping from 1.15 to 0.97; 19 of 63 health zones have reported no new cases for over 21 days, including 11 for over 42 days, but transmission is still active in hotspots in Ituri and North Kivu. Funding & Accountability: Kinshasa says about $227 million was mobilised for the first phase, with roughly $99 million unused, and only 25% of 97 partners have justified funds; from now on, partners must be accredited and disclose funding sources and spending. Response Plan (180 days): A preparedness and response plan for the next 180 days was presented in Kinshasa, costing $1.2 billion, to keep surveillance, isolation, contact tracing, prevention, and community work running. Caution on Reported Declines: Africa CDC warns the recent drop may reflect surveillance gaps, while MSF says the true death toll is likely higher due to case-detection problems. Recoveries in Beni: Ten Ebola-positive patients were discharged cured from treatment centers in Beni, the first recoveries since the city’s resurgence. International Support: France’s foreign minister pledged assistance after meeting President Tshisekedi, with plans to visit Bunia in Ituri.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed 4,018 people out of 8,300 confirmed cases, but officials say the peak is “behind us” as transmission is increasingly concentrated in specific health zones rather than whole provinces; Recovery Milestone: In Beni, 10 Ebola-positive patients were discharged after 10–22 days of treatment, with teams continuing contact tracing and community awareness; Response Funding & Accountability: Kinshasa says only about 25% of 97 Ebola response partners have justified mobilized funds, warning of coercive measures for non-compliance; International Support: France’s foreign minister pledged assistance and plans to visit Bunia in Ituri, while MSF warns the true death toll may be higher due to surveillance and case-detection gaps; Surveillance Warning: Africa CDC cautioned that reported case declines may reflect disrupted monitoring amid insecurity and community resistance, not full control.

Ebola Update (Beni): Ten Ebola patients have been discharged as cured from treatment centers in Beni, the first recoveries since the outbreak’s resurgence there, after 10–22 days of care; teams are continuing monitoring, contact tracing, isolation, and community awareness. DRC Response Funding: Kinshasa unveiled a 180-day Ebola preparedness and response plan costing $1.2 billion, covering surveillance, care, tracing, prevention, and community work across seven provinces and 63 health zones. Accountability Pressure: Health Minister Roger Kamba says Kinshasa will move against Ebola response partners that can’t justify mobilized funds, noting only about 25% of 97 organizations have provided required documentation. Signs of Easing—With Warnings: Officials report the outbreak is easing in some areas, with 12 of 63 health zones reporting no new cases for 42 days, but Africa CDC and MSF warn the decline may reflect surveillance gaps and insecurity, meaning the real situation could be worse. International Support: France’s foreign minister pledged assistance and plans a visit to Bunia, Ituri, where the outbreak is centered. Health Worker Evacuation: An MSF staff member who tested positive for Ebola has been evacuated to the Netherlands for treatment.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s health minister says the Ebola outbreak is easing in some areas, with no new cases in 12 health zones for 42 days, but the national toll keeps rising—4,018 deaths among 8,300 confirmed cases across seven provinces, and 2,162 recoveries. Surveillance Warning: Africa CDC and MSF caution that the apparent decline may reflect gaps in disease surveillance and case detection, especially as insecurity and community resistance disrupt response efforts. Response Accountability: Kinshasa says only about 25% of 97 Ebola response partners have justified mobilized funds, warning of coercive measures for organizations that fail to document spending and results. Health Worker Risk: An MSF worker who tested positive for Ebola has been evacuated to the Netherlands for treatment, underscoring ongoing danger to frontline staff.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has now surpassed 4,000 deaths, with 4,018 fatalities reported among 8,300 confirmed cases across seven provinces, as the Ministry of Health puts the fatality rate at 48.4% and notes 2,162 recoveries. Response Under Strain: Doctors Without Borders warns the real toll is likely higher due to gaps in surveillance and case detection, while insecurity continues to disrupt care and reporting. Surveillance Warning: Africa CDC says a drop in reported cases may signal surveillance problems, not true control, as insecurity and community resistance keep infections from being detected. Cross-Border Health Measures: A Doctors Without Borders worker who tested positive for Ebola has been evacuated to the Netherlands for treatment. Travel Advisories: Namibia has urged its nationals to limit non-essential travel to Ebola-affected DRC provinces, citing limited emergency consular support outside Kinshasa.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 8,000 confirmed cases and nearly 4,000 deaths, with MSF warning the real toll is likely higher as insecurity disrupts surveillance and case detection. Public Health Watch: Africa CDC says the recent drop in reported cases may hide continued spread, with active transmission still reported across dozens of health zones. Response Disruption: UN-linked reporting highlights how violence has damaged key transit points for suspected patients, slowing containment efforts. Travel Precautions: Namibia’s government urged nationals to limit non-essential travel to Ebola-affected DRC provinces, citing limited emergency consular support outside Kinshasa. Early Warning Tool: DR Congo is using anonymised mobile phone location data to map population movement and help responders prepare for where Ebola could appear next. Health System Capacity: A Phase II trial is underway for NV-387 oral gummies for mpox in the DRC, reflecting ongoing work to strengthen local clinical capacity.

Ebola Watch: Africa CDC warns DRC’s reported Ebola case drop may be due to surveillance disruptions, not true control, as the outbreak has spread from 3 health zones to 63 across seven provinces with 45 still reporting active transmission; insecurity and community resistance are hampering detection and response. Outbreak Milestone: DRC health authorities report Ebola cases have surpassed 8,000 with 3,901 deaths, while WHO says transmission remains widespread and geographically expanding. Travel Precautions: Namibia issues an advisory urging nationals to limit non-essential travel to Ebola-affected DRC areas, citing limited emergency consular support outside Kinshasa. Malaria Care in Remote Areas: DRC’s National Malaria Control Programme highlights the heavy burden of malaria—millions of cases and rising severe deaths—and discusses alternative treatments for children 6–59 months in hard-to-reach zones. Workplace Safety: Vodacom Congo marks seven years without a fatal workplace accident, linking progress to road safety and wellness programs alongside stronger safety governance.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 8,000 confirmed cases with 3,901 deaths, driven by the Bundibugyo strain and spreading across seven provinces; WHO says transmission remains high and the situation is not under control, with remote care access still a major barrier. Travel Precautions: Namibia issued a travel advisory urging its nationals to limit non-essential travel to affected DRC provinces, citing limited emergency consular support outside Kinshasa. Early Detection Push: Health responders are using anonymised mobile phone data to map population movement and prepare for where Ebola could appear next, aiming to speed up detection and response. Malaria Care in Remote Areas: DR Congo’s national malaria program shared alternative options for severe malaria treatment in children aged 6–59 months, highlighting the country’s heavy malaria burden and rising severe cases. Workplace Safety & Wellness: Vodacom Congo marked seven years without a fatal workplace accident, pairing safety leadership with road-safety and wellness sensitization reaching thousands in Kinshasa and other provinces.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has crossed 8,000 confirmed cases (8,067) with 3,901 deaths, as WHO warns transmission is still expanding and not under control, with new cases reported across seven provinces and community deaths continuing to drive spread. Travel & Border Risk: Namibia issued a travel advisory urging its nationals to limit non-essential travel to Haut-Uele and Tshopo and to defer trips to Ituri and Nord-Kivu except for authorized humanitarian or emergency work. Early Detection Push: Health responders are using anonymised mobile phone data to anticipate where Ebola could appear next, helping teams prepare high-risk areas before cases are detected. Malaria Care in Remote Areas: DR Congo’s national malaria program shared alternative treatment options for severe malaria in children aged 6–59 months, highlighting the heavy burden and the need for workable care in hard-to-reach zones. Workplace Safety: Vodacom Congo marked seven years without a fatal workplace accident, pairing safety leadership with road-safety and wellness sensitization in major cities. Health Research Pipeline: A Phase II trial is underway in DRC for NV-387 oral gummies for mpox, as researchers work to expand treatment options for outbreaks.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has crossed 8,000 confirmed cases, with 3,901 deaths reported, as WHO warns transmission is still widespread and shifting across provinces. Travel & Border Risk: Namibia issued a travel advisory urging nationals to limit non-essential travel to DR Congo, while IOM is expanding health screenings at major routes and ports to reduce cross-border spread. Response Gaps: WHO says many new infections are still being detected only after people die in communities, and children under five face the highest fatality risk. New Tools for Control: DR Congo is using anonymised mobile phone data to anticipate where Ebola could spread next, helping teams prepare before cases are detected. Clinical Research: NanoViricides has started Phase II trials in DR Congo for NV-387 oral gummies for mpox, adding to the country’s growing role in infectious-disease research. Malaria Care in Remote Areas: The national malaria program presented alternative options for severe malaria treatment for children aged 6–59 months, targeting gaps in far-flung health zones.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo has crossed 8,000 confirmed Ebola cases, with 3,901 deaths, as WHO warns the outbreak is still not under control and transmission is spreading across seven provinces. Cross-Border Pressure: Namibia issued a travel advisory urging heightened caution and prioritising essential travel, while WHO flags growing risk of regional spread. Response Gaps: WHO says too many people are dying before reaching care, including children under five who face the highest fatality rates, and community deaths keep fueling transmission. Early Warning Tools: Health teams are using anonymised mobile phone data to map movement and prepare for where cases may appear next. Regional Support: Tunisia sent medicines and medical equipment to back the Ebola response, and IOM is expanding screenings at ports and travel routes. Other Health Watch: A new study suggests many mpox PCR “positives” in DRC may be false due to sample contamination, while the national malaria program highlights alternative options for severe malaria in children. Health Diplomacy: Italy’s Med-Or signed a cooperation MoU with Kinshasa to boost training and capacity building for health systems.

Ebola Update: Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have crossed 8,000, reaching 8,067 cases and 3,901 deaths, as WHO warns the Bundibugyo outbreak is still widespread and expanding geographically. Travel & Risk Messaging: Namibia has issued a travel advisory urging its nationals to limit non-essential travel to the DRC, citing limited consular help outside Kinshasa. Where Transmission Is Shifting: WHO says transmission intensity varies by province—Ituri shows declines while North Kivu has surged—highlighting that the outbreak is not under control. Early Detection Push: The response is using anonymised mobile phone data to map population movement and help teams prepare for where cases may appear next. Cross-Border Surveillance: IOM is stepping up health screening at displacement sites and major travel routes, including the Congo River ports, and coordinating with neighboring countries to reduce cross-border spread. Other Health Alerts: WHO also reports mpox PCR results may be overcounted, with about 35% of positives possibly linked to sample contamination rather than true infection.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has crossed 8,000 confirmed cases (8,067) with 3,901 deaths, as WHO warns transmission remains widespread and still expanding geographically. Regional Hotspots: Ituri is still the epicentre, but North Kivu has seen a sharp rise, while Haut-Uele and Tshopo also report sustained activity. Care Access Pressure: WHO highlights a grim pattern of deaths occurring in communities before people reach treatment, with children under five facing the highest fatality rates. Early Warning Upgrade: Health teams are using anonymised mobile phone data to map population movement and prepare for where cases may appear next. Cross-Border Readiness: IOM is expanding Ebola surveillance at displacement sites and major travel routes, including screening at Kinshasa’s Bende-Bende port and coordinating with neighbouring countries. Pediatric Focus: A malaria program update for children 6–59 months in remote areas also points to the wider challenge of keeping routine care running during outbreaks.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has crossed 8,000 confirmed cases for the first time, with 8,067 cases and 3,901 deaths reported, driven by the Bundibugyo strain. Early Warning Tech: Health teams are using anonymised mobile phone movement data to spot where Ebola could spread next, helping authorities pre-position response efforts before cases are detected. WHO Alarm: The WHO says the outbreak is still not under control, with progress in some provinces but sharp rises in others—especially North Kivu—plus many deaths occurring before people reach treatment. Cross-Border Preparedness: The IOM is expanding surveillance beyond DR Congo, running health checks at major travel points and working with neighboring countries to reduce cross-border transmission risk. Pediatric Malaria Focus: In remote areas, DR Congo’s malaria program is promoting alternative options for severe malaria in children aged 6–59 months, as the country carries a heavy malaria burden. Mpox Testing Caution: A study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases suggests up to 35% of mpox PCR positives in several Congolese cities may be false positives from sample contamination, raising the stakes for faster, cleaner diagnosis.