The British Red Cross has activated an emergency rescue operation after an Ebola patient, a six-year-old child, was seized by armed men in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The incident, which occurred in the conflict-ridden eastern province of North Kivu, has raised serious concerns about the security of medical workers and patients amid ongoing violence.
According to reports, the child was abducted from a treatment centre run by the Red Cross. The armed group, whose identity remains unknown, is believed to have taken the patient for reasons yet to be clarified. The British Red Cross, in coordination with local authorities and international partners, has deployed a specialist team to secure the child's safe return.
This abduction represents a significant setback for Ebola containment efforts in the region. The World Health Organization has documented a resurgence of cases in recent weeks, with this particular child being among the latest diagnosed. The seizure threatens to undermine trust in humanitarian operations and could exacerbate the spread of the virus if the child is not placed back under medical supervision.
The British Red Cross has not released further details to avoid compromising the rescue mission. However, they have urged all parties to respect the neutrality of medical personnel and the sanctity of life. The incident underscores the volatile environment in which health workers operate in the DRC, where armed groups frequently target civilians and aid organisations.
International observers have called for immediate action to ensure the child's safety and to prevent the outbreak from spiralling out of control. The situation remains fluid, with rescue teams working against the clock. Further updates are expected as the operation develops.
