France, June 22 -- The free healthcare measure was announced on Sunday by the Congolese Minister of Health, Samuel Roger Kamba, during his visit to Ituri - the province at the epicenter of the latest Ebola epidemic.

Kamba visited the provincial capital Bunia and is due to travel to the mining town of Mongbwalu, where the epidemic started.

The government's objective is to ensure that Ebola does not relegate other health emergencies to the background.

The pilot programme in Ituri includes free medical consultations and treatment for all illnesses.

It is to be financed with the tax for health promotion which came into effect last March, as well as the mandatory health insurance announced for the coming weeks. Doctor wearing personal prot...