G7 leaders meeting in Evian, France, have called for a 'strong and coordinated international response' to the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), praising support from the US and EU. The European Commission announced it was expanding a support program worth €493 million ($580 million) in humanitarian aid and health security.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that 'health security is shared security,' emphasizing the need for cooperation. The outbreak, centered in the conflict-affected Ituri province in eastern DRC, has led to 837 confirmed cases and 196 deaths, with 29 cases recorded in a single 24-hour period.

The Commission said funds would cover 'frontline medical support,' humanitarian aid in the Great Lakes region and neighboring Uganda, vaccine and treatment research, and long-term health system strengthening. European health authorities consider the risk to EU citizens low but stressed the importance of global solidarity.

G7 leaders expressed deep sadness over the loss of life and noted that 'existing vaccines, diagnostics, and therapies are not fully effective on the rare viral strain at issue.' The Red Cross warned that the outbreak has not yet peaked.

Uganda's Vice President Jessica Alupo called on countries to lift travel restrictions, arguing that Uganda has effectively controlled the outbreak within its borders. However, several nations have imposed restrictions on both DRC and Uganda.

Source: www.dw.com