The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has opened a second Ebola treatment center in North Kivu, one of the three provinces hit by the outbreak, to improve access to specialist care and ease pressure on health facilities.
With a capacity of 20 beds, the facility will help relieve the strain on healthcare facilities already operating under considerable pressure.
"This Ebola Treatment Center is the second standardized center to be built in our province of North Kivu. We have the Ebola Treatment Center (ETC) in Katwa, and now this one at the Beni General Hospital. Of course, according to our plans, many more ETCs and transit centers are set to be built, and we are only just getting started. All of this is in the interests of our people, because when people fall ill, the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens," said Prisca Luanda Kamala, North Kivu's provincial minister of health.
The city of Beni, where the new center is located, has also recorded its first Ebola survivor, a female patient who was discharged in late June, a rare positive milestone in the country's fight against the outbreak.
"This document certifies that our sister Kavira Mukelu Charline is no longer considered an Ebola patient, but rather is considered cured, someone who has overcome the disease. So she will help us to create awareness, to help us spread the message within the community that Ebola is not a foregone conclusion," said Jeremie Katsavara, who is in charge of treating Ebola patients.
Medical teams say her recovery demonstrates that early treatment can save lives, and they are urging communities to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear.
"Thank you very much, for accepting the care provided by our teams and for all the efforts they have made on your behalf. We believe you can tell the community and others that the disease really does exist and that if someone agrees to seek treatment in time, they have a very good chance of recovery," said Michel Tosalisana, chief medical officer of Beni Health Zone.
Health authorities said Sunday that the DRC has reported over 1,500 confirmed Ebola cases across 36 health zones in three provinces, including 506 deaths. Of the total, 254 patients have recovered, while 628 remain in isolation or under hospital care.
DR Congo opens new Ebola treatment center as outbreak response gains momentum
