The United Nations warned on Tuesday that the ongoing Ebola outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6 billion and result in the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs, risking a broader development crisis across the continent.
According to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s government, the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola—which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment—has infected 1,307 people and claimed 377 lives since the outbreak was declared on May 15.
A smaller number of cases have also been reported in Uganda, while health experts have warned of the risk of the virus spreading to neighbouring countries, including South Sudan.
“If we have the resources and we step up, we can contain this outbreak and prevent further losses,” said Damien Mama, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative in Congo.
He warned that without a stronger response, the health emergency could escalate into a prolonged development crisis affecting the wider region and potentially the entire continent.