The World Health Organization (WHO) says the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has recorded 8,787 cases and 4,242 confirmed deaths.

The UN health agency disclosed the figures in a report published on Saturday, highlighting the growing humanitarian and psychological consequences of the outbreak.

As of October 7, the outbreak had recorded 8,787 cases, 4,242 confirmed deaths and 2,292 recoveries, while nearly 11,300 people had received mental health and psychosocial support.

The WHO report also revealed that 193 community workers and 64 psychologists had received specialised training in Ituri Province.

The agency warned that survivors continued to experience psychological distress, stigma and economic hardship even after recovering from the disease.

It said the outbreak had placed enormous pressure on families, healthcare workers and communities already affected by insecurity and displacement.

WHO stressed the importance of integrating mental healthcare into emergency disease-response operations.

The organisation said psychological support was being provided to patients, survivors, affected families and frontline health workers.

It disclosed that nearly 11,300 people had received mental health and psychosocial support services through treatment and transit centres.

At the Bunia clinic alone, 318 Ebola survivors had benefited from psychological support.

WHO said 193 community workers in Ituri Province had been trained in psychological first aid, while another 64 psychologists had received additional training to strengthen support for patients and affected communities.

The agency explained that Ebola survivors frequently experienced anxiety, social isolation and rejection after leaving treatment centres.

Some also struggled with loss of income, damaged relationships and uncertainty about their future.

WHO said psychosocial teams were supporting community reintegration through counselling, family engagement and follow-up visits.

The organisation stressed that mental health services were essential to improving treatment outcomes and rebuilding confidence among survivors.

It also warned that healthcare workers responding to the outbreak faced significant psychological pressure because of infection risks and demanding working conditions.

WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Congolese authorities in strengthening disease control, treatment and psychosocial services.

The agency said addressing the outbreak required sustained attention to both physical recovery and the psychological well-being of affected communities. 

(NAN)