Economic Impact of Ebola Outbreak in Congo

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Representative in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Damien Mama, stated that the Ebola outbreak is likely to push around 1 million more people into poverty. As of this week, over 1,400 cases and 350 deaths have been confirmed in the DRC and Uganda, with the numbers continuing to rise. Mama emphasized that the outbreak is not just a local health crisis, with over 90% of confirmed cases concentrated in the Ituri province, a significant trade hub.The outbreak could result in economic losses of up to $3.6 billion in Africa and put over 300,000 jobs at risk. Even if the outbreak is brought under control, the DRC could still face losses of over $1 billion and 55,000 jobs, potentially reducing the continent's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by $2.37 billion.