Attacks on Ebola health facilities are intensifying in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The World Health Organization warns the outbreak could worsen. On Thursday, the Rwampara health centre was stormed by angry residents. They demanded the bodies of relatives who had died from Ebola. This incident was confirmed by partners of the Congolese government involved in the response.
A day later, a tent provided by Doctors Without Borders was set on fire. This happened at a hospital in Mongbwalu, Ituri province. Healthcare staff had isolated the body of a patient showing Ebola symptoms. They followed strict health protocols. Tensions flared as the body was prepared for burial. This resulted in the burning of two tents. ALIMA, the NGO involved, stated the body was secured for a dignified burial. Burial protocols require specialized handling to prevent virus transmission.
Aid agencies say fear, rumours, and mistrust drive these tensions. Some people believe Ebola is a business. They suspect organ trafficking when bodies are not released. The Congolese health minister stressed Ebola victims' bodies are highly contagious. They must be handled only by trained teams in protective gear. Health officials urge safe burials so the dead do not spread the disease further.
Traditional customs involve gatherings and touching the deceased. This clashes with Ebola burial requirements. Relatives miss final goodbyes and cultural rites. This disconnect causes deep distress. As of Saturday, almost 180 people had died from Ebola. Close to 800 cases were recorded. Ituri authorities have introduced measures to slow transmission. These include limits on public gatherings and banning body movement between locations.
Violence targeting Ebola facilities is fueled by rumours and misinformation. Accurate information must be shared quickly. Otherwise, people believe anything, leading to violence. Attacks on treatment centres and patients fleeing before cure speed up disease spread. This is extremely serious and poses a significant public health risk.
International aid has sharply declined. Congolese authorities say the national treasury covers much of the response. Shortages are becoming more visible. Resources for detecting, treating, and preventing Ebola remain inadequate. There is a call for more international support. Treatment centres are overwhelmed. New confirmed cases arrive almost daily. The current resources are not enough for the outbreak's scale.
Authorities urge residents to wash hands regularly. They advise keeping distance from the sick. Cooking food thoroughly and avoiding self-medication are also recommended. Trusting response teams is crucial. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has placed 10 African countries on high alert. These include South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Republic of Congo, Burundi, Angola, Central African Republic, and Zambia. The DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan will strengthen cross-border coordination. This includes surveillance, early warning systems, and border monitoring.