EVIAN, France: Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations on Tuesday called for a “strong and coordinated response” to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring Uganda, warning of significant health security risks.
Meeting at a summit in the French city of Evian, the leaders said the international community must act urgently to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission across borders.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the burden that the disease is inflicting on the affected communities and stand in solidarity with the countries affected,” the leaders said in a joint statement.
The G7 leaders said the outbreak posed serious regional and international health risks and stressed that containing the virus would require a comprehensive response.
According to the statement, efforts must focus on effective contact tracing, infection prevention and control measures, quarantine and isolation practices, laboratory testing, border surveillance, cross-border preparedness and community engagement.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation as it evolves, along with our partners, to ensure that this dangerous virus does not spread, including across borders,” the leaders said.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warned on Tuesday that the outbreak in the DRC has yet to reach its peak and could take up to a year to contain.
Since the outbreak was declared on May 15, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 808 Ebola cases in the DRC, including 192 deaths.
Recalling previous international efforts to combat Ebola, the G7 leaders said their immediate priority must be to prevent further spread of the disease.
“Our first goal must be to prevent further spread,” the statement said.
The leaders pledged to mobilise support for a coordinated global response, including efforts to accelerate the development and deployment of vaccines, diagnostic tools and treatments specifically designed to combat the current strain.
The statement noted that existing vaccines, diagnostic methods and treatments are “not fully effective” against the viral strain responsible for the current outbreak.
The G7 also urged countries outside the group to contribute resources and expertise, describing the outbreak as a “global threat” requiring a collective response.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has identified 10 countries at risk of an Ebola outbreak.
These include Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Zambia.
