UNDP delivers equipment to fight Ebola

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has delivered communications and other equipment to support the Republic of Congo's contingency plan to stamp out the Ebola virus, according to the agency. The equipment includes four iridium telephones, two generators, two motorcycles and 10 bicycles. The government's plan includes the immediate treatment of patients, the provision of sanitary surveillance in contaminated areas, as well as a public awareness campaign about the virus and the risks of contracting it. UNDP interim resident representative Jacques Bandelier handed over the equipment to Health Minister Alain Moka on 25 March in Brazzaville, the naion's capital. UNDP said it would also help coordinate joint efforts humanitarian agencies to overcome the outbreak. Some of the agencies involved in the effort are ECHO, UNICEF, the World Food Programme, Medecins Sans Frontieres-Netherlands and the World Health Organisation. The Ebola virus has already caused the death of 113 people in the districts of Mbomo and Kelle of Cuvette-Ouest Region, in the north of the country. The entire area has been quarantined, and the border with Gabon as well as the main roads are closed. This has led to shortages of basic foodstuff and petroleum products in the districts of Etoumbi, Ewo, Mbomo and Okoyo, a trader from the area told IRIN. Government warnings about potentially contaminated game meat and venison are further compounding the problem as area residents are forced to readjust their diet. The current Ebola outbreak is believed to have been caused by villagers eating infected primates. WHO describes the haemorraghic fever as one of the most virulent viral diseases known to humankind, causing death in 50 percent to 90 percent of cases.