Democratic Republic of Congo News

Bulape—Twenty-five-year-old Héritier Bope Mpona recalls with sadness the impact of Ebola on his life. He lost his daughter, wife and mother to the disease which affected his community of Bulape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kasai Province. “I came out alive, but I came out alone,” he says.

The outbreak was declared over on 1 December 2025, around three months after it was confirmed. Intense efforts to control and end the outbreak helped save lives, including Mpona’s.

Bulape — Ebola virus disease is a serious illness. When detected late, it claims many lives, even with recent advances in vaccines and therapeutics. Although the disease has become more manageable with improved care and as response capacities, it still takes a heavy toll on families and communities.

Bulape ‒ Fifty-four-year-old Jacob Mukaba, who lost his wife recently to Ebola, is observing a 40-day mourning period during which he must not leave his home. This practice among the Kete community in Bulape, a locality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kasai Province and the epicentre of the ongoing Ebola outbreak—is working to the advantage of disease surveillance teams.

Goma – Every year on October 10, World Mental Health Day reminds us of the vital role mental health plays—especially in times of crisis. At Virunga General Referral Hospital in eastern DRC, clinical psychologist Annie Kahambu Kikoli has spent the past three years helping people heal. She shares her journey, the challenges she faces, and what keeps her going.

Bulape —The Democratic Republic of Congo has inaugurated a new Ebola treatment centre in Bulape health zone in Kasai Province, further consolidating efforts to ensure effective control to the ongoing outbreak.