The Democratic Republic of Congo is grappling with its first Ebola outbreak in three years, a developing crisis that has already tragically taken 15 lives. This alarming resurgence comes at a time when global health systems are feeling the strain.

Experts from McGill University are voicing serious concerns regarding the world’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to such health emergencies. The recent cuts in U.S. funding for global health programs have led to fears about the ability to contain the outbreak and protect vulnerable populations.

Dr. Joanne Liu, a leading expert in global and public health and former International President of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), emphasizes the importance of rapid response in controlling the spread of Ebola. She played a pivotal role in managing the West African Ebola epidemic and is now on the front lines of advocating for better preparedness.

Alongside her, Dr. Prativa Baral, an epidemiologist and Assistant Professor at McGill, brings her expertise in pandemic readiness and infectious disease response to the conversation. With misinformation rampant in today’s world, addressing the public’s understanding of the outbreak is more crucial than ever.

As the situation unfolds, the eyes of the world are fixed on the DRC, highlighting the urgent need for international cooperation and resources to combat this deadly virus.