In Ituri province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a widespread lack of access to safe drinking water and polluted waterways are presenting significant challenges to controlling the nation’s largest and fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak. In areas like Ndrele, children spend hours daily fetching water, as safe sources are scarce.
Health authorities recommend frequent handwashing to prevent Ebola transmission, but clean water remains unavailable in many parts of Ituri. The current outbreak, which has recorded over 5,000 cases and more than 2,400 deaths in three months, has led to an adaptation of response strategies. A joint plan includes assessing and improving water, sanitation, and hygiene services in health facilities and communities. Organizations involved in the response have warned that many affected health facilities still lack adequate safe water and sanitation.
Source: Mongabay