An eight-bed Ebola transit centre at a displacement camp in Bunia, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, has been burned down amid rising insecurity in the area.

The centre, located at the Kigonze displacement site, was operated by the International Medical Corps and supported by more than 50 staff, many of whom are themselves displaced persons.

In a statement on Friday, the Senior Ebola Coordinator, Julien Harneis, said he was deeply concerned following the burning on Thursday of an Ebola transit centre in Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mr Harneis stressed that losing a transit or treatment centre sets the Ebola response back.

“Capacity is lost, investments are wiped out, and teams have to start again. Most importantly, people lose access to the care they urgently need.

“This incident comes amid increased insecurity at the Kigonze displacement site, which hosts nearly 19,000 displaced people,” he said.

He stated that since September 20, reports of armed violence, threats and intimidation had forced families to leave.

The agency said humanitarian organisations had also been prevented from accessing the site.

“OCHA reiterates that displacement sites must remain civilian and humanitarian in character. Any movement of displaced families must be voluntary, safe and dignified,” the agency said.

The agency remained in close contact with national and provincial authorities to establish what happened, as well as to ensure that health facilities were protected and that humanitarian and health personnel could safely provide life-saving services.