Democratic republic of the congo: The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) is expanding its support for communities affected by the Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, specifically in the regions of Ituri and North Kivu. This initiative is being supported by the DRC Humanitarian Fund and aims to assist 30,000 people, with 18,000 in Ituri and 12,000 in North Kivu, across five health zones until January 2027.
According to African Press Organization, the outbreak in these provinces is exacerbating an already severe situation of acute food insecurity, with nearly 10 million people in eastern DRC facing such conditions. The Ebola outbreak has led to restrictions on movement, market disruptions, and loss of income, which are further weakening households in these areas.
The FAO's response is part of a coordinated effort led by national authorities and the United Nations system. It complements the public health response directed by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO). The response, based on the One Health approach, focuses on reducing the risk of zoonotic transmission by training veterinary services and community animal health workers to safely identify and report sick or dead animals. Additionally, it aims to protect the livelihoods of affected households through the distribution of seeds, tools, poultry, and cash assistance.
Athman Mravili, FAO Representative a.i. in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, emphasizes the importance of community-level action in the response to Ebola. He notes that when families lose their crops, livestock, or income due to the outbreak, they often resort to whatever is available, increasing their risk. Protecting livelihoods is thus seen as integral to protecting health.
Damien Mama, Humanitarian Coordinator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlights the strength of the Humanitarian Fund in enabling a rapid, coordinated, and integrated response. The One Health approach is crucial, as the virus spreads between animals and humans, necessitating a response that transcends sectoral boundaries and takes a holistic approach.