Temperature checks in a Concern supported Health Centre in Goma.

Help to protect communities in DRC from Ebola

An outbreak of Ebola has plunged the Democratic Republic of Congo into a major health crisis.

The number of confirmed cases has risen to 896, and the number of confirmed deaths has reached 232. This is the largest ever outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no vaccine.

The outbreak is centred in Ituri province in the north-east of the country, an area as large as France, where Concern has operations. This crisis is compounded by high population mobility. The virus has already spread to neighbouring Uganda where there are 19 confirmed cases and 2 deaths.

Divine Okize, whose son is ill, undergoes a temperature check at a Health Centre in Goma. This procedure is part of the preventive measures put in place to reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission in DRC. Photo: Samuel Isenge/ Concern Worldwide

Concern staff prepare to distribute supplies to help prevent the spread of Ebola in DRC. Photo: Samuel Isenge/ Concern Worldwide.

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Concern's response

Concern has worked in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 1994, responding to emergencies while addressing long-term challenges such as malnutrition and gender inequality.

We are responding to the current Ebola outbreak by focusing on prevention and preparedness, alongside support for recovery. Our work aims to reduce transmission, protect communities, and limit the longer-term impact of the crisis.

We have adapted our existing programmes to reduce risk, including providing protective equipment, integrating hygiene measures. These programmes (originally aimed at people displaced by conflict) continue to provide cash assistance to nearly 10,000 households.

In high-risk areas, our emergency response activities focus on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) activities. They include

Building awareness around Ebola symptoms, modes of transmission and how best to stay protected.
Installing and handwashing stations and equipping them with water, soap and disinfectants.
Supporting health centres through staff training; provision of essential equipment and supplies; and carrying out essential refurbishment works.
Improving access to clean water and sanitation through the rehabilitation or repair of waterpoints, the construction of emergency facilities (latrines, showers etc); and the distribution of hygiene kits.
We're also providing complementary psychosocial support for people affected by the disease and protection assistance aimed at reducing stigma and strengthening local support mechanisms.

Our Early Recovery and Resilience activities will support communities to recover from the economic and social impacts of the crisis by strengthening livelihoods, providing cash assistance, and expanding savings groups—helping families to rebuild and better withstand future shocks.