A Christian relief organization is moving forward with plans to establish a 50-bed medical facility to treat Ebola patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo within the next week, according to the group’s leader.
The World Health Organization has classified the current outbreak of the uncommon Bundibugyo strain of Ebola as a public health emergency of international concern. No approved vaccines or treatments exist for this particular strain. Healthcare workers responding to the crisis are dealing with equipment shortages and violent incidents targeting their operations, including protesters who burned patient tents in Rwamparaek in Ituri province last week.
Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse, expressed confidence about security measures for their planned facility during a Tuesday interview. “We have a lot more security available to us in Bunia, so we feel confident that we will be okay from those type of attacks,” Graham stated, referencing the provincial capital where the center will be located.
Graham noted that his organization previously assisted during Congo’s 2018-2020 outbreak and plans to collaborate with local religious communities while distributing educational materials to build trust and inform residents.
Equipment for the treatment center, including power generators and cooling systems for patients and medical staff wearing full protective equipment, is scheduled to reach Ituri on Wednesday. Graham described the scope of the project, saying “You’re building a small town.”
