DR Congo Ebola: WHO insists 'insecurity' hinders battle against disease

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The World Health Organization emphasized on Tuesday the progress it has made in the fight against Ebola in eastern Congo but it warns that challenges still remain. Five health workers have already died helping save lives, including a WHO doctor. Chris Ocamringa tells us more from Kinshasa.

CHRIS OCAMRINGA KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO "Senior World Health Organisation officials meeting in Geneva have expressed concern about the security situation in the Ebola hotspots of North Kivu and Ituri provinces. The Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshdiso Moeti said attacks on health workers and treatment centres have made the outbreak challenging and unpredictable.

Last Saturday an attack took place in North Kivu province in which a health worker was killed. On Tuesday a mob in eastern Congo is reported to have killed a health worker and looted a clinic.

Authorities have so far recorded 174 attacks against health care workers and facilities since the beginning of the year. The attacks have been carried out by militia groups in the area. Officials estimate that more than 100 armed groups are operating in North Kivu province.

The WHO has more than 700 of its staff deployed in the area to treat patients. The newly appointed UN Emergency Ebola Response Coordinator David Gressly is set to arrive in the eastern city of Butembo this week to strengthen the coordination of the response.

More than 1,200 people have died of Ebola since the outbreak was declared in August last year. Chris Ocamringa, CGTN, Kinshasa DRC."