As confirmed deaths from Ebola reaches more than 3,000 in Democratic Republic of Congo, Concern further ramps up its response

The Irish humanitarian organisation has adapted its current programming to include Ebola prevention and preparedness activities to try and limit the spread of the virus. More than 70,000 people have been reached through Ebola awareness activities, with information on how to protect themselves from the virus.

32 health workers have been trained in areas such as infection prevention and control standards and protocols, hand hygiene in healthcare settings, and waste management. 10 handwashing stations have been completed, with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) kits provided to four health facilities to protect healthcare staff and patients from the spread of the disease, while in two health facilities minor rehabilitation of water infrastructure is ongoing. 

“It is three months since the World Health Organisation announced DRC’s 17th Ebola outbreak, with this one on course to be the deadliest yet. For the Congolese people this is one crisis on top of many others, not least being forced from their homes due to conflict. Neither the outbreak, nor the conflict, show any signs of slowing, both exacerbating basic yet essential needs,” said David Jones, Concern’s country director in DRC. 

“Distrust in the healthcare system and a reluctance to seek treatment for suspected Ebola cases is impacting its containment. Working with communities, communicating clearly and honestly with them, listening to them and local leaders is essential in this response, as is ensuring people have the practical resources to protect themselves from the outbreak. Access to water, basic sanitation through toilets, and hygiene kits including soap and buckets are just three of the ways Concern is offering support. Concern has strong relationships with the communities it serves, from years of working in the areas now affected, and we are exceptionally well placed to respond effectively as a result.”

The virus is ‘growing exponentially’ according to the World Health Organisation, in the north and east of the country, and the spread of infections now covers an area larger than France. Six provinces are impacted, Haut-Uélé, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo and Bas Uélé. North Kivu alone has the same population as Ireland.

Transmission rates are higher than the rate observed during the Ebola outbreaks in West Africa in 2014 to 2016, and previously in DRC from 2018 to 2020. The fatality rate among confirmed cases is 48.6% as of 30th August.

In zones that have not had any Ebola cases, prevention and protection is essential. In Kirotshe, 15 kilometres from the frontline of active conflict, Concern are providing public handwashing stations, hygiene and sanitation kits as well as rehabilitating water sources. That’s alongside cash distributions to people forced from their homes due to fighting, so they can meet their basic needs, including feeding their families and replacing essentials they had to leave behind when fleeing their homes.

Concern has been working in DRC since 1994. Part of its work has been to address the country’s decades-long humanitarian crisis, particularly in the east, through providing support for livelihoods, nutrition, gender equality, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

To support Concern’s Ebola Emergency Appeal, click here.

For further information contact Eilis Staunton, Media Relations Officer, Concern Worldwide, at eilis.staunton@concern.net or +353 85 872 0720.