Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have reported that suspected Ebola cases have surpassed 900 in the ongoing outbreak in the east of the country. The Ministry of Communication announced on Sunday that there were 904 suspected cases and 119 suspected deaths. This follows earlier reports of more than 700 suspected cases and over 170 suspected deaths, primarily in Ituri province, the epicentre of the outbreak.
The World Health Organization has described the outbreak as posing a 'very high' risk for the DRC, but maintains that the risk of global spread remains low. Health authorities are grappling with significant challenges, including arson attacks on Ebola treatment centres. Two centres in different towns were hit last week, reflecting anger in a region plagued by violence from armed rebel groups, displacement, weak local governance, and international aid cuts that have left health facilities vulnerable.
Colin Thomas-Jensen, director of impact at the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, suggested the attacks may stem from 'built-in skepticism and anger' among eastern Congolese over the region's neglect, years of rebel violence, and failure of government and peacekeepers to provide protection. Strict burial protocols for suspected Ebola victims have also fuelled resentment, as authorities take charge of burials to prevent disease spread, disrupting traditional practices where families prepare bodies and hold funerals.
In Rwampara, witnesses and police reported that the first burning of an Ebola centre was carried out by young men trying to retrieve a friend's body, accusing the foreign aid group of lying about Ebola. Authorities in north-eastern Congo have now banned funeral wakes and gatherings of more than 50 people, with armed soldiers and police guarding some burials conducted by aid workers.
The region has long suffered from attacks by numerous rebel groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23 and the Allied Democratic Forces, a Ugandan Islamist group linked to Islamic State. Doctors Without Borders noted that insecurity in Ituri has worsened, causing medical staff to flee and leaving health facilities overwhelmed. The UN humanitarian office reports nearly 1 million people displaced by conflict in Ituri, raising concerns that the disease could spread to displacement camps near Bunia.
Health experts highlight that international aid cuts by the US and other wealthy nations have devastated eastern Congo's capacity to detect and respond to outbreaks. Aid groups on the ground report shortages of essential equipment such as face shields, protective suits, testing kits, and body bags. Julienne Lusenge, president of Women's Solidarity for Inclusive Peace and Development, stated, 'We have made requests to different partners, but we have not yet really received anything.'
