§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what reports she has received on the origin of the virulent flu outbreak in the Equateur Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo; how many people are estimated to be infected with it in the DRC; and what response she has made to the outbreak in the north western region of the DRC; [84982]
(2) what the suspected cause is of the outbreak of acute respiratory disease in Bosobolo in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if she will make a statement. [85879]
§ Clare ShortThe Communicable Disease Surveillance and Response unit of the World Health Organisation has confirmed the reports of this outbreak at Bosobolo in Equatuer Province of Democratic Republic of Congo. We do not have any information on the origin of the epidemic. What is reported is that as of 22 November, there have been over 4,000 cases of acute respiratory illness, including approximately 500 deaths, since October. The clinical features of the illness include rhinorrhea, headache, arthralgia and respiratory insufficiency. Laboratory confirmation of the cause of this outbreak is pending.
This is a difficult area to get to and communications are poor. Currently, Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF-France), Epicentre and WHO are supporting the Ministry of Health in investigating this outbreak and providing medical services.
We have not provided any direct support to address this problem. However a large element of our humanitarian support to DRC is focused on health. We remain ready to respond if necessary.
§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance she is providing to help halt the spread of cholera in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [84988]
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§ Clare ShortOn 20 October 2002, the Ministry of Health, Democratic Republic of the Congo reported 394 cases of cholera including 41 deaths in Kasai Oriental. Cholera is reported in Congo most years. This year DRC reports the third highest number of cases, and the highest death rate from the disease. The surveillance committee (Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF and Health Net International) which was established to control the outbreak has set up five cholera centres and is reinforcing surveillance and community health activities.
Unfortunately it is not only cholera that is a problem in DRC. Almost all indicators demonstrate evidence of an appalling health situation. DFID does not directly support any cholera interventions. However a significant part of our humanitarian programme is aimed at improving general health. Specific projects deliver improved water and sanitation to poor urban communities. Other support provided through the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross is not earmarked and can also be used for such work.
§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the outbreak of haemorrhagic fever in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [84991]
§ Clare ShortOn 26 November the Minister of Health of the Government of Democratic Republic of Congo reported that eight people had died from a haemorrhagic disease at three widely spread locations in Oriental Province, in the north east of the country. The outbreak has not yet been reported by the Communicable Disease Surveillance and Response Unit of the World Health Organisation.
This area is blighted by continuing fighting between groups that have not signed the peace agreement that continues to hold between the main warring parties. Access to carry out the proper investigations is therefore very difficult. The Minister of Health has called on the belligerents to allow safe access for medical teams.