Trust and Fear Challenge Ebola Response in Democratic Republic of the Congo Amid 381 Infections
In a recent incident in a village in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), health workers dispatched to assist with the burial of an Ebola victim faced threats from the local community. They were warned that armed rebels would be summoned if they did not leave the area. Consequently, the family conducted the burial themselves, potentially exposing numerous individuals to the virus. This situation exemplifies one of the significant challenges hindering efforts to control the ongoing Ebola outbreak, which has seen 381 infections and 64 fatalities as of June 3.
Marie Roseline Belizaire, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Emergency Preparedness and Response Director for Africa, emphasized that the most daunting aspect of the response is not solely the virus itself. Engaging with families who attribute the disease to witchcraft and persuading traditional healers to collaborate with health teams are critical yet complex tasks. She stated, “We are not trying to overcome their culture. We’re trying to involve the science in their own belief.”
Progress, but Not Yet Control
The current outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus, continues to spread in eastern DRC, with cases also reported in Uganda. Dr. Belizaire noted that significant progress has been made in recent weeks, particularly regarding testing capabilities. Initially, laboratories could process approximately 40 tests daily; this capacity has now increased to 800 tests per day, enabling quicker confirmation or exclusion of suspected cases.
“All the tests that we are receiving, we are rolling them out on the same day, almost,” she remarked. “The time to expect your result has been reduced. Twenty-four, maximum 48 hours, you have the result.” Community alerts are now investigated in the field, allowing for faster clearance of suspected cases.
Firmer Trace
Contact tracing has improved from around 25% to 45%, though this figure remains significantly below the 90-95% coverage required to effectively contain the virus. Dr. Belizaire acknowledged the ongoing challenges, particularly the outbreak’s regional implications. Uganda has reported 15 confirmed cases and one probable case linked to the DRC outbreak. The movement of individuals, including a Congolese national who traveled through the United Arab Emirates before arriving in Uganda, underscores the rapid spread of infectious diseases across borders.
“When there is an outbreak and you have mobility, it is always a concern,” Dr. Belizaire stated. However, she highlighted that mechanisms such as WHO’s International Health Regulations facilitate rapid information sharing and coordinated responses among countries.
Trust in Public Health
Building trust within affected communities is one of the most complex tasks for WHO teams on the ground. Many of these communities have endured years of conflict and insecurity, and cultural beliefs can significantly influence perceptions of illness and death. Dr. Belizaire explained that symptoms of Ebola often resemble those of malaria, leading some families to attribute deaths to witchcraft or poisoning rather than infection.
Health workers focus on coexistence rather than confrontation, encouraging communities to acknowledge the existence of the disease alongside their cultural beliefs. “We don’t stop them from believing in witchcraft or any other aspects of their culture,” she said. “We just ask them to simultaneously believe in the disease existence also.”
Ancient and Modern
Traditional healers are being engaged as partners in the response rather than being excluded. Dr. Belizaire noted, “We don’t stop them from going to traditional healers. We ask the healers, if you see someone with those symptoms, refer it also to us.” This approach reflects lessons learned from previous Ebola outbreaks, where mistrust often posed as significant a threat as the virus itself. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently warned that “misinformation is almost as dangerous as the virus itself, and spreads just as fast.”
Reasons for Hope
Despite the numerous challenges, there have been positive developments. Seven individuals have recovered from Ebola, including six healthcare workers. Most sought treatment early and received intensive supportive care, including rehydration and treatment for symptoms while their immune systems fought the infection. “They recovered because they went early to the hospital,” Dr. Belizaire stated.
Candidate Vaccines Under Development
Currently, there is no licensed vaccine or approved treatment for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, although candidate vaccines are under development. Dr. Belizaire emphasized that even if a vaccine becomes available, early detection and treatment remain crucial. “The key is, as soon as you have symptoms, you go to the healthcare center,” she said.
A Survivor’s Determination
One particularly impactful encounter for Dr. Belizaire involved a healthcare worker who contracted Ebola while caring for a patient. After recovering, the female medic expressed her commitment to continue serving others. “She said she will not stop,” Dr. Belizaire recalled. “She said she was born to give care to others, and it is what she will continue doing.” This story exemplifies the resilience of health workers and communities facing the outbreak daily.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-06-06 13:04:00 • By the Editorial Desk
