The United Nations' Senior Ebola Response Coordinator, Julien Harneis, has warned that continued violence in Ebola-affected parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) could hamper efforts to contain the deadly virus.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva after returning from Bunia, an Ebola hotspot, Harneis acknowledged that significant progress had been made in the fight against Ebola over the past six months, but cautioned that transmission was continuing, including in new areas.

He outlined three operational priorities to strengthen efforts to curb the spread of the virus.

First, he stressed the need to ensure safe and unhindered access, warning that continued violence was hampering response efforts and contact tracing. He noted that in recent days, more people had been killed in attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) than by Ebola.

The official also underscored the importance of strengthening engagement with the private sector, as many patients, particularly in urban areas, first seek care from private healthcare providers.

“Following up contact tracing in areas where ADF is operating is a very hazardous idea,” said Harneis.

He also called for improved preparedness in areas where transmission had yet to occur, both within the DRC and in neighbouring countries.

Congolese health authorities have confirmed more than 11,000 Ebola cases, including more than 5,400 deaths.