KINSHASA — The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 1,500 after more than 40 new infections were reported, according to official data released on Friday, as health authorities continue response and surveillance efforts.The death toll has risen to 473 since the outbreak was declared on May 15, according to a Health Ministry situation update issued on Saturday.The outbreak remains concentrated across 34 health zones in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, where more than 11,000 contacts are currently being monitored.Health authorities reported 213 recoveries, while 628 patients remain under medical care.The ministry said efforts to strengthen community engagement are continuing, particularly in Ituri, where resistance to response measures remains a challenge.Earlier this week, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) convened a high-level meeting in Kinshasa to coordinate political leadership, partners and resources in support of Congo’s response and to help prevent further regional spread.Speaking at the forum on Thursday, President Felix Tshisekedi stressed the importance of solidarity and strengthening Africa’s public health capacities to respond effectively to epidemics.According to the Africa CDC, donors and partners have pledged $910 million to support Ebola response efforts in Congo and neighboring Uganda, where 20 cases have been reported.On May 17, two days after the outbreak was declared in Congo, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which later spread to Uganda, as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
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