Democratic Republic of Congo News

11th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared over

Today marks the end of the 11th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), nearly six months after the first cases were reported in Equateur Province. The outbreak took place in communities scattered across dense rain forests as well as crowded urban areas, creating logistical challenges. These were surmounted due to the leadership of the government and local communities, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners.

Defeating Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Jeudi Mputu felt unwell. He went for a check-up at an Ebola treatment centre where he tested positive for the virus. However, his visit was short-lived. He fled the facility. A few days later he was readmitted. He escaped once more. “I thought I was going to die,” he recalls. 

Statement from Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, on Sexual Abus...

Brazzaville – The allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by aid workers, who identified themselves as working for the World Health Organization (WHO) Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are deeply horrific and heartbreaking. All my life as a woman, doctor, leader, mother and health worker, I have fought against gender inequality, as well as sexual harassment and abuse. When I became WHO Regional Director for Africa, I committed to advancing women’s careers and interests in the workplace and robustly addressing sexual harassment.

Building on Ebola response to tackle COVID-19 in DRC

The Ebola outbreak in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was declared over today, almost two years since the first case was confirmed. The DRC Ministry of Health made the announcement after no new cases were reported 42 days since the last patient tested negative for the virus.

How local testing sped up response to new Ebola outbreak

When a young man in his town died of a haemorrhagic fever, Fabien Impanda Boliko had to act fast. The 56-year-old laboratory technician in Mbandaka tested and identified the first case of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) 11th Ebola outbreak in the western Equateur province.

How traditional healers became allies in Ebola response

At the entrance to the Centre de médecine tradi-moderne du village, a health centre offering conventional and herbal treatments, in Beni town, a painted mural shows a man and a woman washing their hands. “Plants are life, handwashing saves lives” a caption reads.