DR Congo: Caritas mobilises to respond to the 17th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: Caritas Rome, 21 May 2026 Caritas has convened an extraordinary meeting to mobilise an urgent, coordinated response to the resurgence of Ebola virus disease in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, expressing its full solidarity with affected communities. “The response to the 17th Ebola virus disease outbreak in the DRC must rely on strong synergy between members of the Caritas Network, government authorities, technical and financial partners, and other humanitarian actors.”- Executive Secretary of Caritas Congo Asbl Father Edouard Makimba This statement was released on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, by the Executive Secretary of Caritas Congo Asbl, speaking via videoconference at the extraordinary meeting of the Country Forum (all the Caritas organisations supporting Caritas Congo Asbl), which he chaired. Father Edouard Makimba addressed representatives of the General Secretariat of Caritas Internationalis and several members of the confederation, including CRS, Secours Catholique-Caritas France, CAFOD, Caritas Spain, and Caritas Norway. This extraordinary meeting of the Country Forum on Ebola was held to allow members of the Caritas Network and partners present to exchange views on the current epidemiological situation related to the resurgence of the Ebola epidemic in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Epidemiological Situation Dr Emmanuel Mbuna presented a general overview of the health situation. He indicated that the first signs of the epidemic had been observed since 29 March 2026, in the Bunia region of Ituri province, although official confirmation had only recently been obtained. He specified that the data relating to the number of deaths remained fluid and were being updated daily by the provincial health authorities. He also explained that the currently identified strain differs from the Zaire strain traditionally found in the DRC and that no vaccine or specific treatment is currently available for this variant. Despite this, infection prevention and control measures are gradually beginning to be put in place with the support of health authorities and partners on the ground. Operational Capacities During the discussions, participants highlighted the significant experience of the Caritas Network, particularly that of Caritas Bunia, in managing previous Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was noted that Caritas Bunia already has a substantial operational presence in several health zones as well as in referral health facilities. The network’s capabilities also rely on its strong community roots through parishes, Basic Ecclesial Communities, deaneries, and various faith-based platforms. This local presence is a major asset for community awareness, disseminating prevention messages, and supporting affected populations. Protection of Healthcare Workers Discussions highlighted serious concerns regarding the protection of healthcare workers and community health workers. Several speakers reported a critical shortage of personal protective equipment, even though some healthcare workers have reportedly already lost their lives in the context of this outbreak. Participants stressed the urgent need to strengthen the protection capacities of healthcare workers, community relays, and volunteers involved in the response, in order to limit the risks of contamination in health facilities and within communities. Community Awareness and Communication A large part of the discussions focused on community awareness and risk communication. Participants noted that in several localities, communities continue to associate deaths with mystical beliefs or curses, which hinders adherence to preventive measures and complicates the rapid management of suspected cases. In this context, network members emphasised the importance of strengthening awareness campaigns through community radio stations, churches, religious leaders, and existing community structures. It was agreed that religious leaders should receive training and briefings to effectively disseminate prevention messages within their communities. Participants also stressed the importance of promoting communication for behaviour change and community engagement to encourage public adherence to health measures. Displaced Persons and WASH Needs Stakeholders drew particular attention to the concerning situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in numerous camps and displacement sites across the affected region. According to information shared, these populations are the most vulnerable to the rapid spread of the epidemic due to high population density, inadequate sanitation infrastructure, and precarious water, hygiene, and sanitation conditions. Participants reiterated that the lack of adequate WASH services could significantly worsen the epidemiological situation. To this end, it was recommended that activities related to access to safe drinking water, the installation of handwashing facilities, and awareness-raising efforts be strengthened in IDP camps. Logistical and Operational Constraints Several concerns were raised regarding the logistical challenges of the response, including movement restrictions, difficulties accessing certain areas, and the closure of some regional borders. Concerns were also expressed about the delivery of medicines, medical supplies, and protective equipment to the affected areas. In response to these concerns, several logistical solutions were discussed, including the use of alternative corridors via Kalemie, Uvira, and Bukavu, as well as the use of existing air links. Participants also felt that the usual mechanisms for transferring humanitarian funding should support operations in the affected provinces. Coordination of the Response and Strategic Approach The Executive Secretary of Caritas Congo Asbl emphasised the need for a coordinated and harmonised response to avoid fragmented or isolated interventions. It was stressed that the response to this crisis must be based on strong synergy among members of the Caritas Network, government authorities, technical and financial partners, and other humanitarian actors. The National Coordinator of the Health Promotion Service of Caritas Congo Asbl reported that a meeting with the Ministry of Health was scheduled to clarify government guidelines, coordination mechanisms, and the modalities for partner involvement in the national response. The post Caritas mobilises to respond to the 17th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo appeared first on Caritas .
2026-05-21 14:33:04