Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo — In the wake of the Ebola disease outbreak in Ituri Province, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has witnessed a critical role played by community volunteers and local leaders in mitigating the impact of the crisis.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, was declared on May 15, 2026, and has since mobilized health teams amidst existing challenges of population displacement, insecurity, and access issues.
In the settlement of Kigonze, situated on the outskirts of Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, community volunteer Léonard Djombo has been a key figure in engaging with residents and addressing their questions and concerns about the disease since the outbreak’s inception. Community engagement has been pivotal in the ongoing response to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC. Djombo’s efforts, along with those of other volunteers, have been instrumental in raising awareness about the disease’s signs and symptoms, prevention measures, and the importance of seeking healthcare promptly.
As of July 11, 2026, the outbreak had recorded 1,926 confirmed cases and 702 cumulative deaths, according to the National Institute of Public Health.
The response has been marked by an increased demand for services such as investigation teams, dignified burials, and care, reflecting the evolving understanding and needs of the community. Health workers have noted a gradual improvement in health-seeking behavior, with patients arriving early for treatment having a better chance of survival. This progress is attributed to the dialogue with communities and the involvement of local actors, including religious leaders, women’s and youth associations, and community volunteers.
Between May 25 and June 24, 2026, over 2. 5 million people were reached through community-based awareness activities, with more than 2,800 community leaders engaged in disseminating prevention messages.
The approach has also led to the resolution of several situations involving reluctance or resistance to the response activities. Djombo’s work in Kigonze exemplifies the importance of community engagement in the fight against Ebola. His efforts have helped shift perceptions from doubt to a better understanding of the disease, emphasizing the value of each conversation in protecting families.
As the situation unfolds, the importance of community vigilance and engagement remains paramount.
The ongoing response in the DRC underscores the need for sustained efforts to strengthen the country’s health system and enhance its capacity to respond to future outbreaks.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: World Health Organization
