This archive report was first published on 24 September 2019.
As the Ebola outbreak continues to ravage the Democratic Republic of Congo, concerns are growing about the delayed response of Tanzanian authorities to suspected cases of the disease.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a suspected case of Ebola was reported in Tanzania's commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, on September 10. However, the patient's contacts were allegedly hidden, and the person had tested positive for Ebola.
Two other suspected cases were also not reported, but on September 14, Tanzanian authorities officially reported that there was no Ebola in the country. They declined independent tests by WHO, further fueling concerns about the accuracy of their information.
Meanwhile, the aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has accused the WHO of rationing the Ebola vaccine in the DRC, where over 2,100 people have died of the virus. MSF has called for an independent international coordination committee to ensure transparency of stocks management and data sharing.
Despite efforts to contain the outbreak, the number of cases remains high, with over 225,000 people receiving the Ebola vaccine manufactured by German pharmaceutical giant Merck since August last year. However, this remains insufficient, and the fight against Ebola requires concerted efforts and cooperation from all stakeholders.
As the outbreak continues to spread, it is essential that all parties involved prioritize transparency, cooperation, and the well-being of affected communities.
