Dr Vladimir Maduali, a 30-year-old physician who graduated from the University of Bunia three years ago, died of Ebola on Sunday at an isolation centre in the Rwampara region of Ituri province. He was the fourth staff member at his hospital to succumb to the disease in as many days. Two days later, Dr Tibenderana Katho Blaise also died at the Bunia Evangelical medical centre.
Dr Richard Lokudu, medical director of Mongbwalu hospital, described the working conditions as “precarious and agonising”. He said five of his staff are thought to have contracted the virus, with three deaths already confirmed. “We who are fighting Ebola work like soldiers. It may well be that others, myself included, will follow Vladimir tomorrow,” he added.
Three Congolese Red Cross volunteers – Alikana Udumusi Augustin, Sezabo Katanabo and Ajiko Chandiru Viviane – also died over 11 days while handling dead bodies at Mongbwalu hospital. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies stated they are believed to have contracted the virus during dead-body management activities.
As of 25 May, the Congolese health ministry reported more than 900 suspected cases and 220 deaths in North and South Kivu and Ituri provinces. Health professionals say the outbreak, the 17th in the DRC since 1976, was not detected quickly, contributing to its spread. The World Health Organization has urged neighbouring countries to coordinate across borders.
