Ebola outbreak projected to cost Africa billions of dollars in economic losses

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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported 1,307 cases of Ebola infection since May, resulting in 377 deaths. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, has also been detected in Uganda, with a smaller number of cases reported.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), an Ebola outbreak could have significant economic and social impacts on Africa. The UNDP estimates that the outbreak could cost the DRC’s gross domestic product up to $3.6 billion if it spreads to other countries, including Rwanda and Angola, and coincides with higher fuel costs.

The conflict-hit province of Ituri is currently experiencing its 17th Ebola outbreak, which began in May. The virus has spread at funerals, where the bodies of infected individuals are handled. Aid workers have faced challenges in planning safe burials due to mistrust among local communities.

In response to the outbreak, the government has issued a ban on public gatherings in four provinces, including Kinshasa, the capital city. This order was made before a planned protest against constitutional reform on July 8 and has been criticized by opposition figures as “politically motivated”.

The UNDP has outlined three possible scenarios for the outbreak: one where the epidemic remains contained in two countries, resulting in $1 billion in economic losses; another where the disease spreads to other countries, leading to a loss of 328,000 jobs and a reduction in continental GDP by $3.6 billion.

Aid workers have been working to contain the outbreak, but challenges remain due to local mistrust and the need for safe burials. The situation is being closely monitored by health officials and international organizations.

Source: Al Jazeera