NEW DELHI: The World Health Organization has launched a comprehensive $518 million preparedness and response plan to combat the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and strengthen global readiness against the deadly virus. The initiative aims to enhance disease surveillance, improve healthcare capacity, accelerate vaccination efforts and support frontline workers in affected regions.

According to WHO officials, the funding will be used to expand emergency response operations, improve laboratory testing networks, deploy medical personnel and ensure the availability of vaccines and treatment supplies. The organisation warned that continued transmission of Ebola poses a significant public health threat and requires coordinated international action to prevent further spread.

The response plan also focuses on community engagement, cross-border monitoring and strengthening health systems in vulnerable areas. WHO said early detection, rapid containment and public awareness remain critical to controlling outbreaks and reducing fatalities associated with the virus.

International health agencies and donor countries have been urged to contribute financial and technical support to the programme. The WHO stressed that lessons learned from previous Ebola outbreaks highlight the importance of sustained investment in preparedness measures, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.

Ebola is a severe and often fatal viral disease that can spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. While vaccines and treatments have improved significantly in recent years, health experts caution that outbreaks can escalate rapidly if not addressed through swift and coordinated interventions.

The latest initiative reflects growing concerns about emerging infectious diseases and the need for stronger global health security systems capable of responding to future epidemics and public health emergencies.