By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

Today, the Emergency Committee convened by the WHO Director-General under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) met to review the current Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

To date, 3,432 confirmed and probable EVD cases, including 2,249 cumulative deaths have been recorded since the outbreak began in mid-2018.

While a great deal of progress in the situation has happened since the last meeting, officials say a number of challenges remain to include strengthening of community acceptance for full commitment to response measures; protection of personnel at strategic health checkpoints; improvement of infection prevention and control practices in health facilities; strengthening of the local health system; and comprehensive treatment and support for patients in recovery.

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In light of all the information available, the Committee unanimously agreed the EVD outbreak continues to be a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the IHR (2005).