‘Every health facility said they were full’: alarm over rapid spread of Ebola in DRC
‘Every health facility said they were full’: alarm over rapid spread of Ebola in DRC
Every health facility said they were - Healthcare workers and aid organizations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have issued urgent warnings, emphasizing the need for immediate international coordination to address the escalating crisis. The resurgence of the Ebola virus has pushed the nation’s already strained healthcare infrastructure to the brink, with experts noting that the outbreak’s scale far exceeds the capacity of confirmed cases. This has sparked fears of a broader transmission wave, complicating efforts to contain the disease in a region frequently plagued by conflict and limited resources.
Outbreak Intensifies, Overwhelming Facilities
The latest wave of the virus has seen a sharp increase in cases, with nearly 750 suspected infections and 177 reported deaths recorded since the first known fatality in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province in north-western DRC, on 24 April. The spread has been fueled by traditional mourning practices, where family members touch the body of the deceased during funerals, inadvertently passing the virus to others. This has created a perfect storm for transmission, as seen in the nearby town of Mongbwalu, where the initial case was identified.
“The unprecedented acceleration of the Ebola outbreak has raised alarms,” stated Rose Tchwenko, the DRC country director for Mercy Corps. “The risk of wider spread is real, and more regional and global support is urgently needed.”
Healthcare facilities have struggled to manage the influx of patients, with many reporting a lack of space and resources. Trish Newport, an emergency programme manager at Médecins Sans Frontières, described the situation as chaotic. “Teams identified suspected cases over the weekend at Bunia’s Salama hospital, only to find no available isolation wards in the area,” she noted. “Every health facility they called said: ‘We’re full of suspect cases. We don’t have any space.’”
The situation is further exacerbated by the virus’s high mortality rate, which ranges from 25% to 90%, and its ability to cause severe internal and external bleeding. Despite these challenges, the response has been hindered by a combination of factors, including the remote and conflict-affected nature of the outbreak zone, as well as the lack of an approved treatment or vaccine for the strain currently circulating.
Conflict and Resource Gaps Fuel the Crisis
North and South Kivu provinces, where additional cases have been reported, are particularly vulnerable due to ongoing violence and infrastructure damage. A recent study by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) highlighted that more than half of health facilities surveyed in these regions were either damaged or destroyed, while nearly half reported significant staff departures since January 2025 due to insecurity. This has left local health systems in a state of disarray, with limited capacity to respond effectively.
Aid efforts are also being impacted by the Trump administration’s cuts to foreign aid, which have created budget shortfalls that slow down medical interventions. With limited funding, teams have faced challenges in deploying necessary equipment and staffing, compounding the difficulties of controlling the outbreak. Local leaders and community members, however, are now taking matters into their own hands, often clashing with health authorities over burial practices.
Incident One: Attack in Mambasa
On Tuesday, a militant group known as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) launched an attack on villages near Mambasa, killing at least 17 people. The ADF operates in eastern DRC and parts of Uganda, and its actions have disrupted daily life, leaving communities in fear. Zawadi Jeanne, a resident of the town, expressed her frustration with the dual threats posed by the ADF and the virus. “We are facing a double war: one of weapons and another of the disease outbreak,” she said. “This has taken a heavy toll on our families, both in terms of lives lost and the fear we carry.”
The attack not only caused immediate casualties but also displaced hundreds, making it harder for health workers to track the spread of the virus. With limited access to affected areas, containment measures have been delayed, allowing the disease to move unchecked. This underscores the complex interplay between conflict and public health, where violence and disease converge to worsen the crisis.
Incident Two: Burning of Treatment Centre
On Thursday, tensions escalated in Rwampara, a town near Bunia, when a crowd torched a treatment centre after authorities denied them the body of a deceased patient. Families wished to perform traditional burials, which involve washing and touching the body, a practice that is highly contagious. Health officials, however, have insisted on using controlled burials to minimize the risk of transmission.
Batakura Zamundu Mugeni, a customary chief present at the scene, explained the conflict between tradition and safety. “Authorities are working with health officials to track down any patients who may have fled, as well as contact cases,” he said. “But some people still do not understand the danger. They see touching a body as a sign of respect, not a risk.”
“The cultural norm of expressing affection through touch makes it difficult to enforce strict isolation protocols,” said Jackson Lubula, a resident of Bunia. “In our community, shaking hands is a daily ritual. With this disease, anything is possible. A small mistake can cost you dearly, so I decided to change my habits.”
Following the incident, the province implemented new measures to curb the spread. Funeral wakes were banned, and burials must now be conducted only by specialized teams. Non-medical vehicles are also prohibited from transporting dead bodies, while public gatherings are limited to 50 people to reduce close contact. These steps aim to create a safer environment, but their success depends on community compliance.
Global Support and Local Challenges
While international aid agencies have pledged assistance, the rapid spread of Ebola has tested the limits of their resources. The situation in the DRC highlights the critical need for timely and sustained support, especially in regions where conflict and poverty intertwine. Without coordinated efforts, the virus could continue to escalate, putting even more pressure on an already overwhelmed system.
Healthcare workers and volunteers are working tirelessly to manage the outbreak, often under difficult conditions. Despite the challenges, they remain hopeful that increased funding and community education can turn the tide. “Every day we save a life is a victory,” said Trish Newport, who emphasized the importance of global solidarity in the fight against the virus.
As the crisis deepens, the focus remains on preventing further transmission. The combination of factors—conflict, cultural practices, and resource constraints—has created a unique challenge that requires innovative solutions. With the situation evolving rapidly, the need for action has never been more urgent. The DRC’s battle against Ebola is not just a health emergency; it is a test of resilience, coordination, and the ability to adapt in the face of adversity.