Some 1,000 people have survived the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, United Nations agencies said on Friday.

According to the U.N., the survivals point to a positive response to the outbreak, made possible by the joint efforts of the DR Congo health officials and its partners.

The current Ebola outbreak in the country has killed more than 2,100 people since August last year, and is considered the country's largest ever outbreak.

The World Health Organization reports that some 1,000 people have recovered from the disease, with more than 3,150 cases overall.

The agency in July declared the Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, calling for more measures to curb its spread.

The high survival number has been attributed to the rollout of new tools to fight the disease, including highly effective vaccines.

The W.H.O. is however urging the country's citizens to support the fight against the deadly disease.

"We cannot win the battle against this outbreak without the full support of the Congolese people.”

The UN agencies are also confident that the survivors can play a key role in the fight, as they are able to sensitize their fellow citizens about the disease.

"When survivors tell communities the reason they are alive is because they sought treatment early, people believe them and are getting the help they need sooner. At the same time, having experienced the disease, they are able to offer a level of support and compassion to patients and their family members that is especially meaningful," said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF representative in the DR Congo.

Source(s): UN