Hundreds of cases reported in the DRC after USAID has been dismantled and key scientific research canceled

There is no cure and no vaccine for the rare Bundibugyo variant of Ebola, which has caused two outbreaks in recent decades. Health leaders and scientists are now racing to understand where the virus is spreading and attempting to stop it – but the US is notably absent in these efforts.

In the past year, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has been dismantled, thousands of staff at US health agencies were laid off, communications stalled and key scientific research canceled.

There are 482 suspected cases and about 116 deaths reported since April in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with two cases and one death in Uganda and potential spread to neighboring South Sudan. The outbreak “might have been going on for a few months”, said Kristian Andersen, a professor of immunology and microbiology at Scripps Research.

If the world ends it will be with a bang, but the bang will certainly only be the final confirmation of something that had started without anyone seeming to notice.

  • Otter@lemmy.caM
    10·
    3 days ago

    why is it the US’s sole responsibility to stop international disease outbreaks

    They’re not, and that shouldn’t be the conclusion people draw from this. What they’re saying is that there are resources (human and supplies) already in position which could prevent a bigger problem if they are utilized, and will likely go to waste. Similar to all those vaccines that were already paid for and then spoiled over time. It’s also talking about why this outbreak is going to be more painful than future ones (once alternative systems have been set up).

    As for why we are in this situation in the first place:

    • the US has used its influence to set up these extensive programs globally for decades because they benefitted from the influence and power it gave them
    • Other countries had a hard time justifying spending money on identical programs operating on the same issues, when they could be using the money to support the existing programs. Or alternatively, listening to where the US says to direct the money / investment. Experts in a certain field will choose to go and work in the larger organization since they can still serve their community through that one.

    It’s not enough for the bureaucrats or elected officials to want something, the people need to understand the risk as well. Now that the world sees what can happen, they will be a lot more careful entering agreements with the US or shutting down domestic capabilities in the future.

    Public health can’t be replaced quickly, since it’s not just about spending money now. It takes time to set up new logistics, supply chains, education and training programs, diplomatic relationships, emergency supplies etc.

    All that being said

    What’s the rest of the world doing about this?

    Here is the recent news:

    https://www.afro.who.int/countries/democratic-republic-of-congo/news/who-ramps-support-democratic-republic-congos-ebola-outbreak-response