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Ebola in DRC: rebuilding trust amid epidemic challenges

By sahel-express / July 17, 2026

Ebola in DRC: rebuilding trust amid epidemic challenges

July 17, 2026

Ebola continues its relentless spread in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). While medical teams open new Ebola treatment centers in Butembo and Beni, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) works hand-in-hand with local communities to restore trust, adapt care to cultural realities, and strengthen prevention efforts.

Combating misinformation and rebuilding trust in Ebola response

The 17th Ebola outbreak in North Kivu emerges against a backdrop of security instability, fueling distrust and dangerous falsehoods. In Butembo and Beni, memories of the 2018-2020 epidemic linger—grief over lost loved ones, restricted hospital visits, and a lack of clear information have eroded confidence in medical response teams.

Tensions peaked in 2019 when an Ebola treatment center was partially burned, forcing MSF to temporarily halt operations. « Some advised me not to take my husband to the health center, claiming doctors would make him sicker », shares Elise*, whose husband tested positive for Ebola.

In a region where humanitarian aid remains scarce, the return of medical teams stirs old suspicions. « Rumors spread across all social layers », notes Dr. Pablo Paluku Lwanzo, Butembo health zone chief. « Some deny the disease’s existence or accuse us of poisoning. »

Distrust is compounded by past allegations of the so-called « Ebola business »—financial mismanagement and abuse, including gender-based violence—during earlier outbreaks. These scars continue to threaten the safety of frontline workers today.

Ebola’s alarming surge in Butembo and Beni

As of July 13, 2026, Butembo and Beni reported 122 and 31 confirmed cases, with 77 and 20 deaths, respectively. « These numbers likely underrepresent the true scale », warns Hugo Soubrier, MSF epidemiologist in North Kivu. « Patients arrive at advanced stages, driving up mortality. Nearly half of infected individuals had unmonitored contact with cases. »

New isolation center offers hope for families

Denise’s sister was admitted to MSF’s new isolation unit in Butembo, opened in early July. Through a glass partition, Denise visits daily. « It reassures me to see her », she says. The unit’s design balances containment with dignity—allowing families to connect while preventing transmission.

« Isolation isn’t just about stopping the virus; it’s about supporting patients and their loved ones », explains Delmas Kalemba, MSF logistics coordinator. The team repurposed a general hospital building into a 35-bed treatment center.

Community-led solutions to curb the epidemic

To halt the virus’s spread—now detected in Tshopo and Haut-Uélé—MSF places communities at the heart of its strategy. « Local leaders understand Ebola’s realities better than anyone », says Margot Grelet, Butembo project manager. « We provide medical expertise, supplies, and treatments while they guide us on cultural sensitivities. »

Regular meetings with community and religious leaders help tailor interventions. The goal? Encourage early symptom reporting to boost survival rates.

Community health workers bridge gaps in prevention

In Beni, 50 km from Butembo, MSF trains 150 community health workers to answer families’ questions about Bundibugyo Ebola and treatment centers. « We rely on group leaders, opinion influencers, and civil society to spread prevention messages », notes Delphine Ferry, health promotion manager.

Bringing care closer to patients in Beni

MSF’s commitment to proximity includes operational decisions like a 26-bed care center near Beni’s reference hospital and support for two local health centers offering free primary care. Twelve observation rooms in Kanzulinzuli and Malepe—plus 11 more under construction in Madrandele and Kasabinyole—provide safe isolation with visual contact for patients and families.

*Names altered to protect identities.

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