By RFIPalled on 02-09-2019Modified on 02-09-2019 at 11:36

On a "solidarity" visit to Beni's insecure territory and the Ebola epidemic, the UN Secretary General visited Mangina, one of the first epicentres of the disease. made more than 2,000 deaths, according to the latest counts. In particular, he visited the Ebola Treatment Center (ETC). The opportunity for Antonio Guterres to appeal to the population to be screened and treated at the first symptoms of the disease to prevent new infections and increase the chances of recovery.

The visit begins at the bedside of the sick. Antonio Guterres, greets through a transparent wall some patients suspected of having contracted Ebola. Then speak to the caregiver to praise their courage: " Thank you very much for the exceptional work you do. And congratulations because things are getting better . "

One of these caregivers testifies about his difficult daily life. He has been working here for over a year: " It's a job of sacrifice. We are giving ourselves body and soul to eradicate this disease. They are our brothers who are dying .

The priority: " the return of security "

At the exit, four Ebola healers including an infant, "winners", as they say here, came to welcome Antonio Guterres: " You are a hero ", he says to one of them, before Make this call: " To all those who are undergoing treatment and all who are healed, you must be our spokespersons. It must be said to everyone that everyone who comes here can heal. Do not hide the symptoms, do not hide the fear. Come take advantage of this opportunity to defeat the disease and help us defeat Ebola . "

A message heard by Bosco Paluku, one of these four healed. He promises to send the message, but tells the UN Secretary-General that " in his eyes, including to defeat Ebola, the priority remains the return of security in this territory beset by armed groups. ".

→ Read also : expectations in Beni, the day before the arrival of Antonio Guterres

In addition, Antonio Guterres also called for increased mobilization of the international community, especially financial, because despite promised pledges, money is slow to arrive. " The pledges up to the end of the year are more or less in line with the needs of the fight against Ebola . But only 15% have been paid so far. This means that there is a liquidity problem in the response that is extremely serious. And when there is no cash (...) the answer against Ebola stops. And if we lose a week in the Ebola response, we do not lose a week, we can lose the war against Ebola. (...) So all countries and organizations that have made financial commitments to support the Ebola response must be able to deliver on their promises very quickly so that this vigorous response, which I have seen here and is spreading in all affected areas, can continue uninterrupted ".

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