WHO Seeks $580 Million for Ebola Response in Democratic Republic of Congo

GENEVA — The World Health Organization called for $580 million in funding to combat the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a joint plan with Africa's Disease Control and Prevention Centres. The plan cites urgent financing needs driven by the risk of disease spread in mining areas. Mongbalu town in Ituri province has become the outbreak's epicentre. Gold trade and the movement of mining workers have accelerated the virus's spread, according to the plan. The current outbreak ranks as the third largest Ebola wave in the country's history. It began in February but was not detected until mid-May. The delay was partly attributed to the Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved treatment.