WHO epidemiologist killed after hospital attack in Congo

Armed rebels attacked a hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo April 19, killing an epidemiologist with the World Health Organization.

The attack occurred at a hospital in the city of Butembo — a current hot spot for the country's Ebola outbreak. Health officials were holding a coordination meeting at the hospital when the attack occurred.

Dr. Richard Valery Mouzoko Kiboung, a WHO epidemiologist deployed to Congo to help with outbreak response, was killed in the attack. Two other people were injured but are in stable condition.

"We are assessing the security situation to ensure the safety of all patients, health workers and Ebola responders," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD, said in a press release. "At the same time, we remain committed to continue supporting the Ministry of Health of [Congo] to end this outbreak as quickly as possible."

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