Survivors of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no approved medicine or vaccine exists, have recounted their harrowing experiences. Congo is currently grappling with an outbreak, reporting at least 282 confirmed cases, with the majority concentrated in the eastern Ituri province.
Baraka Bulambulu, a nurse who recovered, expressed his joy after testing negative. 'Coming out of this illness alive is an indescribable joy,' he said. Another nurse, Ezo Étienne, described feeling dizzy while checking on patients, leading to vomiting. He recalled, 'I called the team and told them, “Something’s wrong here.”'
The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted progress, including new supply deliveries, but significant challenges remain. Early detection, rapid isolation, contact tracing, safe burials, and infection prevention are critical hurdles. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations has committed up to $62 million to accelerate development of three experimental vaccines from the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Moderna, and the University of Oxford.
Health workers are at high risk. WHO honoured five survivors during a visit by Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who opened a new Ebola treatment centre in Bunia. Tedros told the workers, 'Your courage gives hope and your living story that this outbreak can be stopped.'
Dr Dieudonne Mwamba Kazadi, director-general of Congo’s National Institute of Public Health, called the recoveries 'a victory worth celebrating,' adding, 'It’s a strong message that it is possible to recover from Ebola when seeking care early.' Neighbouring Uganda has reported nine cases and closed its border with Congo to limit spread.
