Each time we travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), we go first to listen. In Bunia, we have met dozens of community representatives: survivors, women, young people, local organisations, health workers and leaders from affected areas. Their message was direct: involve us.
We know where families seek care, how information moves and why trust is breaking down. Give us the means to help drive the response. Ebola spreads through communities – and communities hold the knowledge required to stop it.
They can identify illness early, alert health teams, help trace contacts, challenge dangerous rumours and support families through treatment and safe, dignified burials. The response will move faster when communities lead alongside national authorities and health workers. The government of the DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak 100 days ago after confirmation of the Bundibugyo virus.
The outbreak has since become the deadliest ever recorded, with about 2,500 deaths. Behind this unprecedented toll are families grieving and communities confronting Ebola alongside conflict, displacement and fragile access to care. At the centre of it all are the people who show up every day.
Health workers care for patients. Laboratory teams identify the virus. Contact tracers follow its path.
Community health workers build trust where fear and misinformation have taken hold. Burial teams help families honour their loved ones safely and with dignity. They are working under extraordinary pressure, often in insecure areas.
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