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Our neighbours in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are suffering a significant Ebola outbreak, with Catholic Aid Agency CAFOD launching an appeal for donations to support its relief efforts. Ituri province, in the north-east of the country, is the epicentre of the outbreak with the virus having crossed into neighbouring North and South Kivu provinces - including the major transit hub of Goma.

There are now over a thousand suspected cases, and millions of people at risk if the virus is not brought under control. CAFOD is committing emergency funding and is working through trusted local Church partners to help communities fight the spread of the disease. Your donation will help CAFOD’s partners provide:

• Life-saving prevention information
• Hygiene kits and food to quarantined and vulnerable families
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers
• Information on safe and dignified burials.

With no vaccine currently ready for deployment, there is a vital, narrow window of opportunity to contain the virus.

Cross-border transmission has also been verified, with two cases identified in Kampala, Uganda, from individuals travelling from the DRC. To halt further spread, containment measures and border closures are now in effect.

The next few weeks of containment and community engagement will be critical in bringing the outbreak under control. CAFOD has committed funds to send to trusted, local, Church partners so they have the essential support they need to act now.

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Source: CAFOD