What Is Scarier Than Ebola? International Indifference [Reading Science]

Despite WHO Emergency Declaration, Outbreak Continues
Experts Say "On-the-Ground Response Teams and International Cooperation Are More Urgent"

Korean Medical Staff and NGO Activities Also Restricted
"Time to Reassess Korea's Role in Globa

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) over the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. However, experts on the ground point out that, more than vaccines and treatments, there is a more urgent need for medical personnel and disease control systems.

Experts assessed that this crisis exposes vulnerabilities in the international cooperation framework, going beyond the mere spread of an infectious disease. They noted that the global health security system, which was believed to be strengthened after COVID-19, is once again being put to the test amid reduced research funding and a weakening of the roles of international organizations.

Officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo explained the current response status of the Bundibugyo Ebola in Bunia, Ituri Province, on May 30th (local time). WHO and local health authorities called for increased support from the international community to prevent further spread.
[Photo by WHO]

Ryu Chungmin, Director of the Infectious Disease Research Center at the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, said during an Ebola expert briefing at the Korea Science and Technology Media Center (SMCK) on the afternoon of June 12, "Ebola is currently spreading faster than expected, but international attention remains limited. Similar situations have occurred in the past, but Ebola has received relatively little attention because it primarily occurs in Africa."

He expressed concern, saying, "With the recent withdrawal of the United States from WHO and cuts to infectious disease research funding, there is an increasing likelihood that gaps will emerge in the global infectious disease response system."

In fact, the currently circulating Bundibugyo strain of Ebola is not effectively covered by the vaccines and treatments developed for the Zaire strain. Accordingly, international vaccine development organizations and pharmaceutical companies have begun developing new vaccines and treatments, but it is expected to take considerable time before these are commercialized.

Song Manki, Deputy Director General of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), explained, "Currently, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is urgently supporting three vaccine development projects: one with Oxford University, and two platform-based projects using VSV and mRNA technologies. While the platform technologies are available and development is possible, it will still take time to proceed through clinical trials and achieve actual application."

As of the 6th (local time), the distribution of confirmed cases of Bundibugyo Ebola virus infection in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The size of the circles represents the number of confirmed cases by region, with cases concentrated in the Ituri and Nord-Kivu provinces in eastern DRC, as well as the West Nile region and the capital area of Kampala in Uganda. [Image=WHO]

Experts particularly agreed that securing on-site response capabilities is more urgent than vaccine development.

Lee Jaegap, Professor of Infectious Diseases at Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, said, "Although vaccine and treatment development is underway, it could take at least six months to a year before they can be put to practical use. During this period, the only way to suppress the outbreak is through disease control personnel and medical support."

He also pointed out that the outbreak regions—Ituri and North Kivu in eastern Congo—are conflict zones with ongoing rebel activity.

Professor Lee explained, "Because the outbreak is occurring in areas not under effective administrative control, it is difficult for the WHO and international relief organizations to operate. During the 2018 Ebola outbreak, disease control centers were attacked and the safety of healthcare workers became a significant concern."

"Korea Has the Will to Contribute, but Structural Barriers Remain"

Experts also raised the need for Korea to expand its role. Professor Lee said, "In Korea, there are a significant number of healthcare workers with on-site experience from the previous West African Ebola outbreak. If the international community requests assistance, Korea has the capacity to make meaningful contributions."

The World Health Organization (WHO), the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other partners are supporting the response to the Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo.
[Photo by WHO]

However, there are institutional limitations. He pointed out, "Currently, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are designated as travel ban zones, making it virtually impossible for private medical teams, such as those from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), to be dispatched. There needs to be a more flexible institutional review so that NGOs and medical personnel with infectious disease response experience can operate in these regions."

Director Ryu also said, "Korea has accumulated diagnostic capabilities and disease control experience through the COVID-19 pandemic. Now is the time to consider how we can contribute to the international community beyond profit-driven logic."

Experts stressed that the current Ebola crisis is not just an infectious disease problem in a specific region, but a health security challenge that the entire international community must address together.

Professor Lee concluded, "Infectious diseases always emerge in unexpected ways. What Ebola demonstrates is not only the dangers of the virus itself, but also the extent to which the international cooperation system is prepared."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.