The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo does not constitute a public health emergency of international concern, the World Health Organization said Friday.
WHO defines a public health emergency of international concern as “an extraordinary event” that constitutes a “public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease” and “to potentially require a coordinated international response.”
In announcing the decision by the committee, Dr. Preben Aavitsland, the acting chair of the emergency committee, said “possible unintended consequences” and risks of an emergency declaration had been “extensively debated” by the committee members. Possible risks include border closures and restrictions on travel and trade that could “severely harm the economy” in Congo, he said. “This is not a global emergency. This is an emergency for [Congo] and it may affect neighboring countries.”
Ultimately, the committee decided there was “potentially a lot to lose” by declaring a public health emergency, said Aavitsland, who emphasized that funding is needed to continue efforts to contain the outbreak.
The international community must “step up funding and strengthen support” for preparedness in Congo and neighboring countries, he said.
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