By Zainab Bakare
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has warned that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could cost African economies up to $3.6 billion and push nearly one million more people into poverty.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the UNDP says the outbreak is triggering a wider socioeconomic crisis that threatens livelihoods, healthcare services, education and regional trade.
The agency warn that the epidemic could eliminate tens of thousands of jobs, with women expected to be among the hardest hit.
The impact is expected to extend beyond the DRC to neighbouring countries, including Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan.
According to the World Health Organization, the DRC has recorded 1,333 confirmed Ebola cases and 399 deaths, while 189 people have recovered from the virus. Uganda has also reported 20 confirmed cases.
UNDP Africa Regional Director, Ahunna Eziakonwa, says the outbreak goes beyond a public health emergency, affecting food security, public finances, trade and community trust.
The agency projected that the DRC alone could lose more than $1 billion in economic output and about 55,000 jobs, even if the virus is successfully contained.
UNDP also warn that trade disruptions, border restrictions, transport delays and declining consumer confidence could reduce Africa’s GDP by an estimated $2.37 billion.
To reduce the economic impact, the agency recommend direct cash support for vulnerable households, targeted health screening instead of border closures, and emergency funding to sustain maternal, reproductive and infant healthcare services.
The latest Ebola outbreak is centred in the conflict-affected Ituri Province in northeastern DRC.
Health officials say the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
