AGP Executive Report

Ebola Update: WHO says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is still uncontrolled as cases surge in North Kivu, even while Ituri and Haut-Uele see declines; community deaths remain a major driver, with many new infections detected only after people die outside treatment centres. Vaccination Push: Ebola vaccination has expanded to Ituri, with more than 3,700 people receiving Ervebo so far and a Bunia study (BRAVO) aiming to follow about 20,000 frontline workers. Cross-Border Preparedness: IOM is ramping up health screening at displacement sites and travel routes, working with neighboring countries to reduce cross-border spread risk. Malaria in Remote Areas: The national malaria program (PNLP) highlights alternative options for severe malaria in children aged 6–59 months, citing the DRC’s heavy burden and rising deaths. Mpox Testing Concerns: Swiss-led research warns that about 35% of PCR-positive mpox results in DRC may reflect contamination rather than true infection, raising risks of misdiagnosis. Health Equity Lens: UN Women reports women and girls face disproportionate Ebola risk as caregivers at home and in communities, not just in health facilities.

Ebola Response Update: WHO says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is still uncontrolled as cases surge in North Kivu, even while Ituri and Haut-Uele show declines; the country has reported about 7,773 confirmed cases and 3,759 deaths, with many deaths happening in communities before people reach treatment. Vaccination Push: Ebola vaccination has expanded to Ituri, with Ervebo reaching more than 3,700 people so far and a Bunia study (BRAVO) planning to vaccinate around 20,000 frontline workers to assess protection against the Bundibugyo strain. Cross-Border Surveillance: IOM is stepping up health screenings at displacement sites and major travel routes, including along the Congo River, and working with neighboring countries to reduce cross-border spread risk. Child Health Focus: WHO highlights that children under five face the highest Ebola fatality rates (over 60%) and are often among deaths outside treatment centers, pointing to urgent needs for pediatric-ready supplies and trained staff. Malaria Treatment Options: The national malaria program (PNLP) shared alternative approaches for severe malaria in children aged 6–59 months in remote areas, amid alarming national burden figures. Mpox Testing Concern: A study warns that nearly 35% of mpox PCR positives in several Congolese cities may reflect contamination rather than true infection, raising stakes for accurate diagnosis.

Ebola Response in Focus: WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak is still uncontrolled as cases surge in North Kivu, with 7,773 confirmed cases and 3,759 deaths reported as of Monday; the pattern is uneven—Ituri and Haut-Uele show declines while North Kivu rises—while many deaths still happen before people reach Ebola treatment centers. Vaccination Push: Ervebo vaccination has expanded to Ituri, with more than 3,700 people vaccinated so far and a BRAVO study starting in Bunia to follow about 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu. Cross-Border Surveillance: IOM is ramping up health screenings at travel hubs and working with neighboring countries to reduce cross-border spread risk. Frontline Care & Equity: UN Women highlights that women and girls face disproportionate risk, serving as caregivers at home and in communities, including during burial practices. Malaria Treatment Options: The national malaria program reports severe malaria remains deadly for children 6–59 months in remote areas, sharing alternative treatment approaches amid rising deaths. Mpox Testing Accuracy: Swiss-led research warns that around 35% of PCR-positive mpox results in DRC may reflect contamination rather than true infection, raising concerns for surveillance and patient care.

Ebola Response (DRC): WHO says the Ebola outbreak is still uncontrolled, with cases surging in North Kivu even as some areas like Ituri show declines; the country has reported 7,773 confirmed cases and 3,759 deaths, and WHO warns many people are still dying before reaching treatment. Cross-Border Preparedness: IOM is expanding Ebola surveillance beyond DRC borders, stepping up health checks at travel hubs like the Bende-Bende port in Kinshasa and coordinating with neighboring countries to reduce cross-border spread. Vaccination Drive: Ervebo vaccination has been expanded to Ituri, with 3,700+ people vaccinated, alongside a study (BRAVO) tracking protection for frontline workers. Child Health: WHO highlights that children under five face the highest Ebola fatality risk (over 60%) and often die outside treatment centers. Mpox Diagnostics: A new study suggests over a third of mpox PCR positives in DRC may be false, linked to contamination, raising concerns for surveillance and patient care. Medical Support: Tunisia sent medicines and equipment to support DRC’s Ebola response.

Ebola Response at Risk: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still uncontrolled as cases surge in North Kivu, even while Ituri and Haut-Uele show declines; the country reported 7,773 confirmed cases and 3,759 deaths, with children under five facing the highest fatality rates. Cross-Border Surveillance: IOM is expanding screening beyond DR Congo’s borders, boosting health checks at major travel routes and ports like Bende-Bende in Kinshasa, and coordinating with neighboring countries to reduce cross-border spread. Community Deaths and Care Delays: WHO warns many new infections are being detected only after people die in the community, underscoring the need for earlier detection and faster access to treatment. International Support: Tunisia sent medicines and medical equipment to Kinshasa to back the Ebola response. Vaccination Push: Ebola vaccination expanded to Ituri with Ervebo, including a study (BRAVO) with MSF and partners to follow about 20,000 frontline workers. Health Equity for Women and Children: UN Women highlights women and girls’ disproportionate burden as caregivers, and WHO notes children under five are most likely to die, including deaths outside treatment centers. Mpox Testing Warning: Swiss researchers report many “positive” mpox PCR results in DRC may be false positives from contamination, raising concerns for surveillance and patient care.

Ebola Update (WHO): The DRC’s Ebola outbreak is still “uncontrolled,” with transmission increasingly spread across regions and edging toward the Dungu health zone in Haut-Uele, near the South Sudan border. WHO reports 7,733 confirmed cases and 3,732 deaths, with 63 health zones affected and heavy pressure on treatment capacity in North Kivu. Children at Highest Risk (WHO): WHO says children under 5 have the highest Ebola mortality rate (over 60%) and make up most deaths occurring outside treatment centers, calling for better pediatric equipment, dosing, and training. Vaccination Push (Ituri): Ebola vaccination expanded to Ituri, with more than 3,700 people receiving Ervebo so far; a Bunia study (BRAVO) will follow about 20,000 frontline workers to assess protection against Bundibugyo virus. Gendered Impact (UN Women): UN Women highlights that women and girls—over 54% of confirmed patients—are heavily involved in home and community care, often without protective equipment, raising infection risk. Mpox Lab Findings (UNIGE): Swiss researchers report that about 35% of mpox PCR positives in DRC may be false positives from environmental contamination, raising concerns about misdiagnosis and surveillance accuracy.

Ebola Response in Ituri: DR Congo expanded the Ervebo Ebola vaccine to Ituri, with 3,700+ people vaccinated and a Bunia study (BRAVO) aiming to follow about 20,000 frontline workers to assess protection against the Bundibugyo virus. Outbreak Still Not Fully Under Control: WHO says the epidemic remains “uncontrolled” and heterogeneous, with transmission easing in Ituri but rising sharply in North Kivu, where treatment capacity is under heavy pressure. Case Counts and Peak Debate: Government figures put confirmed cases at 7,258 and deaths at 3,510, while Africa CDC warns the data cannot yet confirm a true peak without sustained, comparable declines. Gendered Impact: UN Women reports women and girls bear a disproportionate burden—54% of confirmed patients are women—because they provide care at home and in communities, often without protective equipment. Mpox Lab Results Raise Alarm: Swiss researchers report ~35% of PCR-positive mpox tests in several Congolese cities may reflect environmental contamination, risking false diagnoses and misdirected care. Health Access Disruption: Canada’s Ebola travel ban is described as “torture” by Congolese visa holders, disrupting weddings and schooling and raising concerns about double standards and quarantine options.

Ebola Vaccination Push in Ituri: DR Congo expanded Ervebo vaccination to Ituri, with 3,700+ people already vaccinated and a new MSF-led study (BRAVO) in Bunia aiming to follow ~20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu to assess protection against the Bundibugyo virus. Epidemic Still Not Fully Under Control: While Congolese authorities say the outbreak peaked around mid-August and is declining, WHO and Africa CDC warn the epidemic remains “uncontrolled” and not yet confirmed to have peaked nationally, citing uneven trends. Shifting Transmission Hotspots: Transmission is easing in Ituri but rising in North Kivu, where treatment capacity is under heavy pressure, keeping risk high despite a broader downward national curve. Women and Girls Hit Hard: UN Women reports 54%+ of confirmed Ebola patients are women, with girls also heavily represented, as caregiving roles increase exposure. Air Quality Warning (Kinshasa): Kinshasa ranked among the world’s most polluted cities in recent AQI updates, with readings in the unhealthy range that can worsen health for sensitive groups.

Ebola Vaccination Drive: DR Congo expanded the Ervebo Ebola vaccine to Ituri, with 3,700+ people vaccinated, as MSF launches the BRAVO study in Bunia to follow 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu and test protection against the Bundibugyo virus. Outbreak Status Debate: The government says the outbreak is “under control” and the peak came in early/mid-August, but WHO/Africa CDC warn the epidemic remains uncontrolled and “heterogeneous,” with transmission easing in Ituri while North Kivu rises and sustained national decline isn’t confirmed. Case Counts & Care Pressure: Reports place confirmed cases around 7,200–7,400 with deaths around 3,500+, and North Kivu treatment capacity is nearing saturation. Gendered Impact: UN Women says women and girls bear a heavy burden—54%+ of confirmed patients are women—because they often provide care at home and in funerals without protection. Health System Research Boost: CEPI pledged $3.9m to strengthen epidemic intelligence and modelling for Bundibugyo response and support clinical trial readiness.

Ebola Vaccination Push: DRC expanded Ebola vaccination to Ituri, with 3,700+ people receiving Ervebo so far; the new BRAVO study in Bunia will vaccinate about 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu to test whether the vaccine can protect against the Bundibugyo virus driving the outbreak. Epidemic Status Dispute: The government says the outbreak is “under control” and peaked in early/mid-August, but WHO and Africa CDC warn the epidemic is still uncontrolled and uneven, with transmission easing in Ituri while North Kivu rises and treatment capacity strains. Women and Girls Hit Hard: UN Women reports women and girls bear a disproportionate burden, with 54%+ of confirmed patients being women and girls heavily represented, largely because they provide care at home and in communities. Research Funding for Bundibugyo: CEPI pledged $3.9 million to strengthen epidemic intelligence and modelling for Bundibugyo response, supporting projects in DRC and Uganda. Health System Pressure: Latest figures put the outbreak at 7,258 confirmed cases and 3,510 deaths, with 905 patients in isolation or hospital, and response needs shifting as hotspots move.

Ebola Vaccination Push in Ituri: DRC expanded Ervebo vaccination to Ituri, with 3,700+ people vaccinated and a new MSF-led “BRAVO” study in Bunia aiming to vaccinate about 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu to assess protection against the Bundibugyo strain. Epidemic Status Dispute: While Kinshasa says the outbreak is “under control” and peaked in mid-August, WHO and Africa CDC warn the epidemic is still uncontrolled and uneven, with transmission shifting—Ituri easing but North Kivu rising. Women and Girls Hit Hardest: UN Women reports 54%+ of confirmed patients are women, with girls making up 51% of ages 10–17, as caregiving roles and home-based exposure increase risk. Research Funding for Bundibugyo: CEPI pledged $3.9 million to strengthen surveillance, lab work, and modelling for Bundibugyo response and vaccine trial readiness in DRC and Uganda. Health System Pressure: Government figures put the outbreak at 7,258 confirmed cases and 3,510 deaths, with 905 patients in isolation or hospital—showing why vigilance and contact tracing remain critical.

Ebola Vaccination Push: DR Congo expanded Ebola vaccination to Ituri, with more than 3,700 people already receiving Ervebo and a new MSF-led BRAVO study in Bunia aiming to vaccinate about 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu to assess protection against the Bundibugyo virus. Epidemic Peak Dispute: Africa CDC and WHO say the outbreak peak is not yet confirmed nationally, warning transmission remains uneven even as some areas in Ituri show improvement and North Kivu continues to rise. Case Counts and Risks: Government figures place confirmed Ebola cases at about 7,258 with thousands of deaths, while officials stress persistent flare-ups, spread to a seventh province, and the need for stronger contact tracing and detection. Gendered Impact: UN Women reports women and girls are hit hardest in caregiving roles, with over half of confirmed patients being women and girls making up 51% of those aged 10–17. Child Safety Tragedy: In Bukavu, a school fire and stampede killed at least 26 children, underscoring urgent risks in education settings.

Ebola Vaccination Push: DR Congo expanded Ebola vaccination to Ituri, with over 3,700 people already receiving Ervebo and a BRAVO study starting in Bunia to test protection against the Bundibugyo virus among about 20,000 frontline workers. Outbreak Peak Dispute: While Kinshasa says the peak passed in mid-August, Africa CDC and WHO warn the peak is not confirmed and transmission remains uneven, with North Kivu still rising and treatment capacity under strain. Gendered Impact: UN Women reports women and girls are hit hardest in the outbreak—over 54% of confirmed patients are women, and girls make up 51% of ages 10–17—because caregiving at home and funeral practices often happen without protection. Case Load Update: Government figures put confirmed Ebola cases at 7,258 with 3,510 deaths, and officials stress flare-ups and spread to a seventh province mean risks persist. Health System Strain & Safety: Health workers and communities face mounting pressure as transmission shifts, while a separate tragedy in Bukavu saw a school fire and stampede kill at least 26 children.

Ebola Update: DR Congo reported 7,258 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,510 deaths across seven provinces, with the national curve trending down but transmission still active and uneven—Ituri easing while North Kivu rises, and WHO says the outbreak remains “uncontrolled” and heterogeneous. Women’s Risk in Ebola Response: UN Women highlights how women and girls make up over half of cases in key age groups and face higher exposure because they provide home care and funeral support, often without protection. Research & Trials Push: CEPI pledged $3.9 million to strengthen epidemic intelligence and modelling for Bundibugyo ebolavirus response in DRC and Uganda, supporting surveillance, lab and clinical trial readiness. School Safety Crisis: A deadly fire and stampede at Ujamaa Primary School in Bukavu killed at least 26 children, with reports of students jumping from upper floors and others trampled or asphyxiated. Education Disruption in Conflict Zones: In Goma and Bukavu, students are demanding the resumption of classes after authorities suspended academic activities in multiple public higher education institutions. Health & Climate Link: The government is working to integrate sexual and reproductive health and gender equality into climate adaptation plans, citing how climate shocks can worsen access to care and increase violence and early marriage.

Ebola—Women and girls hit hardest: UN Women says in Bunia and beyond, women and girls make up over half of confirmed cases, largely because they provide home care without protection and may wash corpses—fueling fear of treatment centres that can feel like a “one-way journey.” Ebola—Cases keep climbing, but decline is uneven: DRC reports 7,258 confirmed cases and 3,510 deaths across seven provinces, with the national curve trending down since mid-August, yet North Kivu remains a growing hotspot and transmission is still not consistently controlled. Ebola—WHO and Africa CDC urge caution: WHO calls the outbreak “uncontrolled” and increasingly heterogeneous; Africa CDC says the peak is not yet confirmed and stresses sustained declines plus strong contact tracing and detection. Ebola—Research push: CEPI pledges $3.9m to strengthen modelling, surveillance and trial readiness for Bundibugyo ebolavirus in DRC and Uganda. Health & safety—School fire tragedy: Bukavu’s Ujamaa Primary School fire and stampede killed at least 26 children, with UNICEF reporting injuries and officials citing asphyxiation and trampled students.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still spreading, even as some areas slow. Africa CDC says the peak is not yet confirmed and transmission isn’t consistently controlled, with 7,404 confirmed cases and 3,577 deaths reported; WHO warns the outbreak remains “uncontrolled” and uneven, with Ituri easing while North Kivu rises fast and treatment capacity nears saturation. Early Warning Gaps: Reporting suggests the epidemic may have started months earlier than the May declaration, with early warnings from WHO and Africa CDC but delays in the initial response. Research & Vaccines: CEPI pledged $3.9m to strengthen surveillance and modelling for Bundibugyo Ebola response in DRC and Uganda, supporting clinical trial readiness; Africa CDC and partners are also tracking vaccine interest, including from Russia, while no licensed Bundibugyo vaccine is available. Health & Safety Beyond Ebola: A school fire and stampede in Bukavu killed at least 26 children, underlining ongoing risks to child health in eastern DRC. Climate & Sexual Health: Kinshasa is pushing to integrate sexual and reproductive health and gender equality into national climate plans, linking shocks to barriers in care and higher risks of violence.