AGP Executive Report

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.

Ebola Response (DRC): The DRC is using anonymised mobile phone data to forecast where Ebola could spread next, helping health teams map population movement between towns and pre-position support as the outbreak grows across seven provinces. WHO Warning: WHO says the Ebola outbreak is still uncontrolled, with Ituri and Haut-Uele seeing declines while North Kivu surged by 73% over the same period; community deaths remain a major driver of transmission. Cross-Border Surveillance: IOM is expanding screening beyond DRC borders, including health checks at Kinshasa’s Bende-Bende port and coordination with neighboring countries to reduce cross-border spread. Vaccination Update: Ebola vaccination has been expanded in Ituri, with MSF launching the BRAVO study in Bunia to vaccinate about 20,000 frontline workers and track whether Ervebo helps against the Bundibugyo strain. Child Health (Ebola): WHO highlights that children under five face the highest Ebola fatality rates (over 60%) and make up many deaths outside treatment centers, pointing to urgent needs for pediatric-ready supplies and training. Malaria (Remote Care): The national malaria program presented alternative options for severe malaria treatment in children aged 6–59 months in remote areas, citing the DRC’s heavy malaria burden. Mpox Diagnostics: A study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases suggests nearly 35% of mpox PCR positives in several Congolese cities may be false positives linked to sample contamination, raising stakes for safer, more reliable testing.

Ebola Response: WHO says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is still uncontrolled as transmission shifts, with North Kivu surging (+73%) while Ituri and Haut-Uele see declines; overall figures cited include about 7,700+ confirmed cases and 3,700+ deaths, and WHO warns many people are dying before reaching treatment. Vaccination Drive: 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 stepping up health screening at displacement sites and major travel routes, including temperature checks and traveller health forms at Kinshasa’s Bende-Bende port, and coordinating with neighboring countries to reduce cross-border spread. Child Health Focus: WHO highlights that children under five face the highest Ebola fatality rates (over 60%) and make up many deaths outside treatment centers, calling for better pediatric supplies and trained staff. Malaria Care in Remote Areas: The national malaria program (PNLP) shared alternative options for severe malaria treatment for children aged 6–59 months, citing the DRC’s heavy malaria burden and rising deaths. Mpox Testing Accuracy: Swiss-led research in the DRC suggests nearly 35% of PCR-positive mpox results may be false positives from sample contamination, raising concerns for surveillance and patient care. Health System Pressure: WHO notes treatment centers are under strain and community deaths remain a major driver of ongoing transmission.

Ebola Update: WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak is still uncontrolled and spreading unevenly, with North Kivu up sharply (+73%) even as Ituri and Haut-Uele see declines; WHO also warns many people are dying before reaching care, especially children under five. Vaccination Drive: Ebola vaccination expanded to Ituri, with Ervebo use reaching 3,700+ people and a BRAVO study planned to vaccinate about 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu. Pediatric Care Gap: WHO highlights that under-5s face the highest Ebola fatality (over 60%) and are often missed outside treatment centers, calling for better pediatric-sized supplies and trained staff. Cross-Border Surveillance: IOM is ramping up health screenings at travel hubs in Kinshasa and working with neighboring countries to reduce cross-border spread risk. Mpox Lab Findings: A study in DRC suggests nearly 35% of PCR “mpox” positives may be false due to contamination, raising concerns for surveillance and patient misdiagnosis. Malaria Treatment Options: The national malaria program shared alternative approaches for severe malaria in children aged 6–59 months in remote areas. Air Quality Watch (Kinshasa): Reports place Kinshasa among the most polluted cities at times, underscoring ongoing respiratory health risks. Other Health-Adjacent News: Tunisia sent medicines and equipment to support the Ebola response.

Ebola Response: WHO says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is still uncontrolled as cases surge in North Kivu, with 7,773 confirmed cases and 3,759 deaths reported; the agency notes progress in Ituri and Haut-Uele but warns transmission patterns differ by province and many deaths happen before people reach care. Vaccination Drive: Ebola vaccination has expanded to Ituri, with Ervebo use reaching 3,700+ people and a BRAVO study launching in Bunia to follow about 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu. Cross-Border Surveillance: IOM is stepping up health screening at displacement sites and travel routes, including Congo River ports, and working with neighboring countries to reduce cross-border spread risk. Child Health: WHO highlights children under five as most vulnerable, with case fatality above 60% and many community deaths outside treatment centers. Women & Girls: UN Women reports women and girls are disproportionately affected, often providing care at home and during funerals without protection. Malaria Care: The national malaria program presented alternative options for severe malaria treatment in children aged 6–59 months in remote areas. Mpox Testing Accuracy: Swiss-led research suggests nearly 35% of PCR-positive mpox results in DRC may be false positives from environmental contamination, raising concerns for surveillance and patient safety.

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.