Ebola outbreak: MSF’s rapid response

Dear Friend,

As you may have heard in the news today, a large scale and very concerning outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease has already killed more than 80 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and at least one person in Uganda. 

The World Health Organization has declared the current Ebola outbreak affecting the DRC and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern as there are now hundreds of suspected cases, and the situation is escalating. 

Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is already responding and preparing to rapidly scale up our medical response in the DRC. By donating to our emergency fund today you can help us urgently respond to crises like this around the world. 

Unlike previous outbreaks caused by the more common Zaire strain, this outbreak has been caused by the Bundibugyo strain which has no approved vaccine, and no approved treatment.  

The estimated case fatality rate of this strain is between 25 and 40 per cent. 

In response we are rapidly scaling up our medical response in Ituri province, in the DRC’s northeast.  

Through the generous support of donors just like you, our medical teams have responded to multiple Ebola outbreaks in the past and been pivotal in helping to stop the spread of this deadly disease. Please will you make a donation to our emergency fund today?

What is Ebola? Ebola is an infectious viral haemorrhagic fever, transmitted to humans through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals. Human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals. 

Right now, MSF is mobilising more teams comprising medical, logistical, and support staff experienced in responding to viral haemorrhagic fever outbreaks, as well as essential supplies, to launch a large-scale response as quickly as possible. 

MSF will also work to ensure strict prevention measures are in place in our existing projects in order to protect our staff, our patients and their access to healthcare.  

In the DRC, many people already struggle to access healthcare and live with ongoing insecurity, making rapid action critical to prevent the outbreak from escalating further. 

By donating to our emergency fund today, you can help our medical teams to respond to emergencies like Ebola and help deliver lifesaving care to patients worldwide. 

No matter how long this Ebola outbreak lasts, we are committed to continuing to provide medical and humanitarian assistance for as long as possible. Friend, by giving a gift today, your support helps us be where the need is greatest across the world.

It’s through your generous support that MSF can continue to help millions of people every year, as we work tirelessly to try and minimise the impact of outbreaks such as this.  

Thank you for showing your care and concern for people in the more than 70 countries where we work, who often have significantly less access to healthcare than is needed. 

With gratitude,