Frontline health workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo are encountering anger and mistrust from local communities while responding to a new Ebola outbreak. At an international media briefing organised by the Global Virus Network on 10 June, experts reported that, as of 11 June, the DRC had recorded 635 confirmed cases and 127 deaths. The country is also dealing with malaria, HIV, cholera and malnutrition.
Speakers said community anger and a breakdown of trust are major barriers to containing the outbreak. Marie Roseline Bélizaire, acting emergency director at the WHO regional office for Africa, warned that communities are upset responders “come only for Ebola.” Maria Van Kerkhove said the response must be broader and include WASH, security, malaria, measles and mpox.
Several experts said response capacity on the ground is weak despite past experience. The DRC has faced 17 Ebola outbreaks and the current response began five months after the 16th ended. Field assessments found infection prevention capacity at health facilities in Ituri averaged below 30 per cent. Armed conflict and closed borders are also making access difficult.
Difficult words
- frontline — workers who deal first with emergencies
- mistrust — lack of belief or confidence in someone
- outbreak — sudden start and spread of a disease
- contain — to stop something from spreading or growingcontaining
- responder — people who answer or help in an emergencyresponders
- capacity — ability of a system or group to do something
- infection prevention — actions to stop spread of germs or disease
- armed conflict — violent fighting between groups in a region
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How might community mistrust make health workers' jobs harder?
- Which services besides Ebola treatment should responders include, and why?
- What could help health teams get access to areas affected by armed conflict?
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