DRC: 9,066 Ebola cases recorded in five months in the East

The Ebola epidemic raging in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached an unprecedented scale. According to RFI, this 17th outbreak of the virus has already caused 9,066 confirmed cases and more than 4,300 deaths in just five months. Ituri remains the epicenter of the disease, but the virus has spread to six other provinces, including North Kivu and Tshopo, affecting a total of 64 health zones.

The rapid spread is explained by a late detection of the virus, which was circulating discreetly as early as January, four months before the official launch of the response. The strain involved, Bundibugyo, is rare and makes standard diagnostic tools less effective. Furthermore, no vaccine has yet demonstrated its efficacy against this specific variant, although clinical trials began on September 19 in Bunia to evaluate the Ervebo vaccine.

The health response is facing major obstacles, notably the inability to identify chains of transmission. According to the WHO, less than 20% of new cases are known contacts. A large proportion of deaths, about 70%, occur within communities rather than in care centers, facilitating the spread during funeral rites. Medical teams are also struggling to access affected areas due to insecurity and armed conflict.

The distrust of the population, inherited from the militarized management of the 2018-2020 epidemic and fears related to the "Ebola business," is hindering the work of caregivers. Added to this is the porosity of the borders with Uganda, South Sudan, and Burundi. Despite the closure of some official posts, informal flows persist, complicating regional surveillance, while cases have been reported in Kenya in September.

Our perspective

This health crisis highlights the urgency of strengthening African health systems with tools adapted to local realities. Health sovereignty cannot be built without robust continental scientific research and renewed trust between populations and institutions. It is imperative that the response prioritizes proximity and dialogue to protect the dignity and lives of Congolese citizens in the face of this peril.