AGP Executive Report

Ebola Update: The outbreak has killed 4,205 people among 8,728 confirmed cases, but infections are declining in Ituri and North Kivu. Transmission remains active in 47 health zones, with new hotspots emerging near South Sudan and surveillance hampered by insecurity. Vaccine Trials: Phase Ib trials of Oxford’s Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine began in Uganda; Moderna’s candidate has also received ethical approval for trials. The DRC has received 70,000 doses of a vaccine not proven effective against this strain. Regional Alert: Kenya’s first Ebola death, in a traveller from the DRC, exposed gaps in border screening. Kenyan authorities are tracing more than 50 contacts. Air Quality: Kinshasa recorded an unhealthy AQI of 193, ranking third among the world’s most polluted cities in a Thursday morning reading.

Ebola Vaccine Research: Trials of two candidate vaccines against the Bundibugyo strain have begun in Uganda. The DRC has received 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, but it has not been proven effective against this strain. Outbreak Update: The DRC has reported 4,018 deaths among 8,300 cases across seven provinces. Officials say cases are declining in some areas, but Africa CDC warns that gaps in surveillance and insecurity could hide ongoing infections. Regional Alert: Kenya reported its first Ebola death after a traveller arrived from the DRC via Uganda. Health officials are tracing 57 contacts, highlighting concerns about border screening. Kinshasa Air Quality: The city recorded an AQI of 193, rated unhealthy, on Thursday morning.

Cross-Border Alert: Kenya reported its first Ebola death after a traveler from the DRC passed through Uganda and reached Nairobi with symptoms, raising questions about screening at borders and airports. Officials say 57 contacts have been identified; tracing is continuing. Ebola in the DRC: The Health Ministry says the outbreak has passed its peak, with 4,018 deaths among 8,300 confirmed cases and new infections declining in some areas. But Africa CDC and MSF warn that insecurity and gaps in surveillance could hide ongoing spread. Response and Care: Ten patients have recovered and left treatment centers in Beni. Kinshasa has set out a six-month response plan estimated at $1.2 billion and is seeking clearer accounting from aid partners; only about one in four of 97 organizations had submitted funding records. France has also pledged support.

Cross-Border Alert: Kenya’s first Ebola patient arrived from Beni via Uganda with symptoms and died two days later, exposing gaps in border and airport screening. Outbreak Watch: DRC officials say the epidemic has passed its peak, but the toll has topped 4,000 deaths among 8,300 confirmed cases. Africa CDC and MSF warn that falling case reports may reflect missed infections as insecurity disrupts surveillance; transmission remains active in parts of Ituri and North Kivu. Response Funding: The Health Ministry says about $99 million of $227 million mobilized for the response remains unused, and only a quarter of 97 partner organizations have accounted for funds received.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Health Ministry says the Ebola outbreak has passed its peak, with new cases declining after late-July highs, but transmission is still active in hotspots like Ituri and North Kivu; the country reports 4,018 deaths and 2,162 recoveries from 8,300 confirmed cases, while Africa CDC and MSF warn the drop may reflect surveillance gaps and insecurity. Funding & Accountability: Kinshasa says about $227 million has been mobilized for the first phase, but only 25% of 97 response partners have justified funds so far, and it warns partners may face coercive measures without accreditation. Frontline Disruption: MSF reports an Ebola response worker evacuated to the Netherlands after testing positive, underscoring ongoing risks for health staff. Conflict Pressure: Reports also highlight how fighting and attacks on displacement sites and transit centers are disrupting care and case detection. Public Health Planning: DRC presented a 180-day, $1.2 billion preparedness and response plan to keep surveillance, isolation, contact tracing, and community prevention running. Community Health Beyond Ebola: NBA Africa and Quest Water Global announced plans to build or renovate 55 basketball courts across the DRC by 2030, starting in Kinshasa, as a youth-focused wellness initiative.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Ministry of Health says the Ebola outbreak has passed its peak, with new cases declining and 19 of 63 health zones reporting no new cases for over 21 days, but it warns transmission is still active in hotspots in Ituri and North Kivu. Death Toll Tops 4,000: Latest figures put deaths at 4,018 from about 8,300 confirmed cases, with 2,162 recoveries; Médecins Sans Frontières and Africa CDC caution the real toll may be higher due to surveillance gaps and insecurity. Response Funding Crackdown: Kinshasa says only about 25% of 97 response partners have justified mobilized funds and warns partners may face coercive measures, with accreditation required to operate in the field. Frontline Disruptions: Reports describe displacement camp chaos, including a transit center burned during searches, and ongoing insecurity that keeps containment uneven. Community Health Signal: In Beni, 10 Ebola-positive patients were discharged after treatment, the first recoveries reported since the city’s resurgence. Health Beyond Ebola: NBA Africa and Quest Water Global announced plans to build or renovate 55 basketball courts in the DRC by 2030, starting in Kinshasa, as part of youth-focused community work.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Health Ministry says the Ebola outbreak has passed its peak, with new cases declining and 19 of 63 health zones reporting no new cases for over 21 days, but transmission is still active in hotspots in Ituri and North Kivu. Funding Accountability: Kinshasa says only about 25% of 97 Ebola response partners have justified mobilized funds, warning that partners may face coercive measures and that no group can operate in the field 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 cautioned that the drop in reported cases may reflect surveillance gaps, while MSF says the real death toll is likely higher due to missed cases. Health Access Milestone: In Beni, 10 Ebola patients were discharged after treatment, the first recoveries reported since the city’s resurgence. Community & Wellness: NBA Africa and Quest Water Global launched a plan to build or renovate 55 basketball courts across the DRC by 2030 in honor of Dikembe Mutombo, starting with a new court in Kinshasa. Safety & Travel: Authorities reported a deadly Congo River boat collision near Ngombe-Lukolela, killing at least 30 with dozens missing, as rescue teams continue amid oil spill complications.

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.