By News Desk
Following two Ebola virus attacks in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), four health workers have been confirmed dead and five others injured after gunmen attack.
The deceased and the injured were volunteers that responded after the Ebola virus outbreak hit the eastern part of the country again.
It was gathered that the attacks occurred overnight on a shared living camp in Biakato Mines and an Ebola response coordination office in Mangina.
“We are heartbroken that people have died in the line of duty as they worked to save others,” said
Confirming the attack, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the deceased as brave professionals killed while saving other lives in the country.
He said: “The dead include a member of a vaccination team, two drivers and a police officer. No WHO staff are among those killed, one staff member was injured.
Also condemning the attack, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, said: “My heart goes out to the family and friends of the first responders killed in these attacks. We are doing everything possible to bring the injured and front-line workers in the impacted areas to safety. These constant attacks must stop. We will continue to work with the DRC Government, partners and MONUSCO to ensure the security of our staff and other health workers”.
In the last week, there were 7 cases of Ebola, down from a peak of over 120 per week in April 2019.
“Ebola was retreating. These attacks will give it force again, and more people will die as a consequence,” said Dr Tedros. “It will be tragic to see more unnecessary suffering in communities that have already suffered so much. We call on everyone who has a role to play to end this cycle of violence.”
