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.

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.

Commits to Global Peace Dialogue in Italy, says Akumeecretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has said Nigerians remain resolute in their determination never to relive the horrors of war, stressing that the Federal Government is deepening efforts to promote peace, religious tolerance and national cohesion across the country.

Akume spoke in Abuja while receiving the Country Representative of the Community of Saint Egidio in Nigeria, Prof. Jan De Volder, who visited him alongside the Deputy Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr. Iscopo Foti, and other officials.

The visit was to formally invite the SGF to participate in an international peace gathering scheduled to hold in Italy in October, where world religious and political leaders will discuss strategies for fostering peaceful coexistence and bridging religious divides.

Speaking during the meeting, Akume highlighted the Tinubu administration’s commitment to peacebuilding through inclusive governance and national unity, noting that despite occasional security challenges, Nigeria has continued to make progress in strengthening social harmony and combating insurgency.

“Since the civil war, Nigerians have made up their minds never to experience war again. While we may have frictions arising from our differences, we are collectively working towards peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and national unity,” Akume said.

The SGF acknowledged the security challenges confronting parts of the country but maintained that sustained government interventions had significantly weakened terrorist and insurgent groups.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working round the clock with all stakeholders to end the barbaric killings and attacks on our citizens. Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, the government is also driving economic recovery and ensuring that every segment of the population is carried along in the nation’s development process,” he added.

Akume expressed appreciation to the Community of Saint Egidio for its global commitment to peace, humanitarian service and spiritual growth, and welcomed opportunities for collaboration with international partners in advancing peace and development.

Earlier, Prof. De Volder said the Community of Saint Egidio, which has operated globally for 53 years and in Nigeria for 26 years, was founded on the principles of Prayer, Poor and Peace, describing the organisation as a bridge-builder among communities and a champion of support for vulnerable populations.

He commended Nigeria’s resilience and said his personal experience of the country differed significantly from the negative narratives often portrayed on social media and in international news reports.

According to him, the forthcoming gathering in Italy will bring together leaders from different faiths and political backgrounds to explore practical ways of fostering peace and mutual understanding in an increasingly divided world.

De Volder expressed hope that Senator Akume would attend the event alongside other religious and political leaders from Nigeria, noting that the country’s experiences in managing diversity and promoting coexistence would enrich discussions at the global forum.

The SGF accepted the invitation and pledged his participation in the October event, while reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships aimed at promoting peace, stability and sustainable development.