DRC Ebola Outbreak: Citizens raise concerns on WHO declaration on Ebola status

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Turning to Africa. Many DRC citizens are expressing disappointment at the World Health Organization's declaration on the Ebola outbreak. It's feared the decision could harm the country's fragile economy if trade and travel restrictions are imposed. CGTN's Chris Ocamringa reports from Kinshasa.

Declaring Ebola in the DRC an emergency of international concern is designed to draw attention and resources to stop the disease's spread.

Health experts made the decision after a case was confirmed in the eastern DRC city of Goma close to the border with Rwanda.

But in Kinshasa the concern is it may lead to neighbouring countries closing their borders.

NICKSON KAMBALE POLITICAL ANALYST "It's well known that Ituri, North and South Kivu provinces all rely on products from neighbouring countries like Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. If those countries close their borders with the DRC, it will have grave repercussions not just to our economy but also the Congolese people."

And that prospect is worrying DRC citizens too.

SAIDI JEAN-CLAUDE CITIZEN "Countries bordering the DRC should not close their borders to DRC citizens because if they do so it will have a very negative impact on our economy."

GIRESSE MANGUILO ENGINEER "Many of our people survive on trading with neighbouring countries. If those country's close their borders it will be a disaster."

The Congolese health ministry has issued a statement saying it accepts the WHO's declaration.

Last month the WHO decided against declaring such a move after a case was reported in Uganda. That decision attracted criticism from some humanitarian agencies.

CHRIS OCAMRINGA KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO "The World Health Organization has urged countries to keep transport routes and borders open but increase surveillance at all their points of entry. The global health body has also appealed for more funds to roll back the outbreak. Close to 1700 people have died of Ebola since the onset of the outbreak last August. Chris Ocamringa."