A. Situation analysis
Description of the disaster
Since May 3, more than 50 suspected, probable and confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) have been reported in DRC’s Equateur province. The Central African Republic shares a nearly 1,300 km long border with DRC along the Ubangi river. In an emergency response meeting the 15 May, the Central African authorities and health sector partners identified a high risk of importation of the epidemic, due to:
1) Significant, regular, and ongoing population movements along various axes and through various entry points along the Ubangi River and the Congo River, between Equateur, the Republic of Congo and CAR
2) The existence of a regular flight between the affected city of Mbandaka and Bangui
3) The existence of a frequently navigated river between Mbandaka and Bangui and other population centres in CAR
As a result, the authorities and partners have activated an Ebola preparedness and response cluster and have begun activities related to case detection and management, and public education (sensitization). Central Africa is ill-equipped to manage an Ebola outbreak, as a result of five years of conflict that have disrupted health service delivery and limited access to health services.