In brief
The Democratic Republic of Congo has canceled its pre-World Cup training camp in Kinshasa due to a significant Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the country. The decision comes as health authorities report a rise in cases, prompting the World Health Organization to label the situation a 'public health emergency of international concern.' The national team's training will continue in Belgium as they prepare for their first World Cup since 1974, with upcoming friendly matches scheduled against Denmark and Spain. Authorities at home remain focused on managing the outbreak, which has claimed numerous lives.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has cancelled its pre-World Cup training camp in the capital, Kinshasa, because of an Ebola outbreak in the east of the country. Preparations have been moved to Belgium amid the upsurge, which is thought to have killed 139 people out of 600 suspected cases.The World Health Organization (WHO) has called the outbreak a 'public health emergency of international concern,' but said it was not at pandemic level.Jerry Kalemo, a spokesperson for the national football team, told international media that pre-tournament games in Europe would go ahead as planned as the squad gears up for their first World Cup since 1974.DR Congo are due to play friendly matches against Denmark on 3 June and Spain on 9 June ahead of the World Cup finals.Back at home, authorities will be occupied with attempts to contain the Ebola outbreak, which has been caused by a rare species known as Bundibugyo. There is currently no vaccine for this species and the WHO has said it could take up to nine months for a jab to be ready.
