GPMB: Outbreaks Outpacing Preparedness as Ebola Spreads
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- Global Preparedness Monitoring Board reported that infectious disease outbreaks are becoming more frequent and more damaging, outpacing current preparedness investments.
- World Health Organization declared an international public health emergency after at least 87 Ebola deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and will host an urgent scientific consultation on Friday to discuss Ebola research and development priorities.
- Anne Ancia, WHO’s DRC representative, said Kinshasa’s protective equipment stocks were emptied and a cargo plane was being prepared to bring additional supplies from Kenya.
- International Rescue Committee has deployed response teams to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC.
- Prof Matthew Kavanagh warned that cuts to WHO funding and USAID programmes weakened surveillance, causing false‑negative Ebola tests and delayed response.
Why it matters: Low‑income nations and vulnerable populations bear the brunt as underfunded surveillance and supply shortages delay Ebola containment, while WHO and aid groups scramble for resources, highlighting a widening gap between tech advances and equitable access.
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