By NewsDesk @bactiman63
A new case of Ebola virus disease (EVD) was confirmed in the 11th outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on September 28 in the health zone of Makanza.
Image/P. S. Burton
This brings the EVD outbreak total to 125 (119 confirmed and 6 probable cases). The death toll remains at 50 (44 confirmed and 6 probable).
In some disturbing news out of the DRC, media accounts of sexual exploitation and abuse of women by aid workers has prompted responses from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Reports state 51 women have reported incidents of sexual abuse by Ebola response workers in the country over the past 2 years.
WHO responded saying the actions allegedly perpetrated by individuals identifying themselves as working for WHO are unacceptable and will be robustly investigated.
The betrayal of people in the communities we serve is reprehensible. We do not tolerate such behaviour in any of our staff, contractors or partners.
Anyone identified as being involved will be held to account and face serious consequences, including immediate dismissal.
The IOM Director General is ordering an immediate investigation by the Organization including an assessment of the serious allegation against an IOM worker.
Such abuses by UN personnel and other humanitarian workers are an outrageous breach of trust with those we are mandated to support, often in very trying humanitarian circumstances.
IOM is determined to investigate and eradicate these shocking abuses wherever and whenever they occur including in this particular instance.
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I hope they actually do a thorough investigation and not simply making a “strong” statement about it and then just not do anything, or cover up the facts. This is not the first time and yet it continues, shame on these organizations