Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have confirmed that the ongoing Ebola outbreak has now topped 2,000 cases, marking a grim milestone in what has become the country’s most severe epidemic involving the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.

The latest figures from the Congolese Ministry of Health indicate rapid transmission in conflict-affected eastern provinces, particularly Ituri, where the outbreak was first declared in mid-May. The surge comes despite intensified response efforts, including contact tracing and community mobilization, as insecurity, population displacement, and community resistance continue to hinder containment.

Officials report that the death toll has also climbed significantly, with hundreds of fatalities recorded so far. Treatment centers in hard-hit areas are nearing capacity, and challenges persist in identifying patient zero and fully tracing contacts amid ongoing violence from armed groups. The rare Bundibugyo virus strain lacks approved vaccines or specific treatments, unlike previous Zaire strain outbreaks.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa CDC have expressed deep concern over the potential for further geographic spread, including risks to neighboring countries like Uganda, where cases have already been reported. Projections suggest the outbreak could worsen substantially without accelerated interventions, with modeling indicating thousands more potential cases and deaths in the coming months if transmission is not curbed.

International partners have pledged substantial funding and resources, but humanitarian workers face logistical nightmares in displacement camps and mining areas where the virus continues to spread through community and family contacts.

Health officials are urging heightened vigilance, improved surveillance, and community cooperation as they race to contain the epidemic before it reaches even more catastrophic levels. The DRC has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks in recent years, but this one stands out due to its speed and the complicating factors of regional instability.

Further updates will depend on daily situation reports as the response scales up.

……As NCDC Launches Fresh Vaccination Drive

Health authorities have officially confirmed a rabies outbreak in the Federal Capital Territory after two people died from the disease, prompting an urgent public health response.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and veterinary services, announced the confirmation on Wednesday. Both victims are reported to have succumbed to rabies following bites from suspected rabid animals, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by stray dogs and wildlife in parts of the capital.

In a swift move to contain the spread, officials have launched a fresh vaccination drive targeting dogs and other domestic animals across affected communities. The campaign aims to vaccinate thousands of pets and strays in high-risk areas, while also encouraging residents to report animal bites immediately and seek post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) at designated health facilities.

“Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is entirely preventable through timely vaccination of animals and proper wound management in humans,” a health official stated. “We urge pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and avoid contact with unknown animals.”

Residents have been advised to remain vigilant, keep pets on leashes in public spaces, and visit the nearest hospital for anti-rabies treatment if bitten or scratched. Authorities are also intensifying public awareness efforts through community sensitization programs.

This latest outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the need for sustained rabies control measures in urban centers. Health teams continue to monitor the situation closely, with plans to expand the vaccination campaign if new cases emerge.

The Federal Government has launched three digital platforms, the Reform Tracker, Knowledge Repository, and National Strategy for Public Service Reforms (NSPSR) Dashboard to strengthen transparency, accountability, performance monitoring, and knowledge management across the Federal Public Service.

The platforms were developed by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) to support the effective implementation of government reforms.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, represented by his Senior Technical Adviser, Professor Babatunde Bolaji Bernard, described the platforms as an integrated digital ecosystem that will transform how reforms are monitored, documented, and communicated across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

According to the SGF, the Reform Tracker will provide a reliable mechanism for monitoring reform milestones, implementation timelines, and performance indicators across government institutions, helping to ensure accountability and timely delivery of reform programmes.

He explained that the Knowledge Repository will serve as a central digital library for reform-related documents, policies, reports, and case studies, preserving institutional memory, reducing duplication of efforts, and promoting evidence-based decision-making throughout the public service.

Senator Akume added that the NSPSR Dashboard will provide real-time updates on the implementation of the National Strategy for Public Service Reforms, enabling policymakers to track progress, identify gaps, measure achievements, and make informed decisions.

He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to building a technology-driven and results-oriented public service.

Meanwhile, Director-General of BPSR, Dr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, described the launch as a major milestone in institutionalising reforms through innovation and technology.