Germany is prepared to assist the Democratic Republic of Congo in combating the Ebola virus, according to Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU). Although no official request has been received from the country yet, "we would definitely be prepared," Warken told broadcaster rbb on Monday. The Robert Koch Institute stands ready to help, as does the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine.
"For example, mobile laboratories could be provided that would then be deployed on site," Warken said. The same applies to trained personnel who could "provide support in communication about how to protect oneself from infection." "We are definitely ready," the minister emphasized. She expressed the expectation that a request for support could come in the next few days.
At least 88 people have died from the Bundibugyo variant of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to official reports. The disease outbreak has also affected neighboring Uganda. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a "public health emergency of international concern" - its second-highest alert level.
Warken described the danger of a global Ebola pandemic as "almost impossible" on Sunday evening on ARD's "Bericht aus Berlin." The international health emergency declared by the WHO primarily serves to support local authorities. For Germany, the minister sees no immediate need for action. "The risk for the German population is to be assessed as extremely low," Warken stressed.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, along with the Hantavirus outbreak on a Dutch cruise ship, will dominate debates at the World Health Assembly. The WHO's most important decision-making body convenes in Geneva on Monday for a week-long session, which Warken is attending. On Sunday, she already met with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Geneva.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
