WHO: 10 million people face hunger in DRC

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared a post on social media regarding the Ebola outbreak and hunger in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Ghebreyesus stated that the Ituri province in the DRC is not only the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak but also one of the regions most affected by acute hunger, saying, “The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) data shows that approximately 10 million people are facing hunger across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tanganyika.”

Ghebreyesus noted that the hunger crisis is also caused by conflict and economic pressures, as well as limited access to basic services and weakened infrastructure. Ghebreyesus said, “Poor road conditions further restrict the movement of goods and humanitarian aid. Hunger and disease are old friends. People weakened by hunger are much more vulnerable to infections.”

Ghebreyesus stated that they will continue to increase intervention efforts to address the crisis, not only to end the Ebola outbreak with the DRC government and partners but also to meet the broader humanitarian and health needs of the affected communities. Ghebreyesus said, “There is an urgent need for adequate funding, sustainable and safe access. If these are established, we can conduct more effective activities.”