UNITED NATIONS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Escalating deadly violence and mass displacements in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are complicating efforts to contain an Ebola outbreak, UN humanitarians warned Tuesday.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the violence is putting civilians at further risk and complicating efforts to contain the disease.
OCHA said that in North Kivu province, local authorities reported a series of attacks by armed groups between May 30 and June 6, killing at least 40 civilians in the town of Beni. The attacks continue to hamper humanitarian access, including the Ebola response.
The office said that in South Kivu province, recent clashes uprooted nearly 15,000 people who sought refuge in Miti-Murhesa health zone. All confirmed Ebola cases in the province are located in the health zone, raising concern over disease transmission and people's access to assistance.
"Displaced families need urgent humanitarian assistance, as additional pressure is being placed on host communities," OCHA said. "Partners warn that insecurity, displacement and the movement of people are hampering disease surveillance, contact tracing and case management, increasing the risk of further spread."
The office reiterated its call on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to ensure safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access.
