Red Cross Volunteers Face Assault Amid DRC Ebola Response NAIROBI, Kenya — The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has expressed grave concern over an attack on volunteers from the Red Cross in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which occurred on June 1, 2026.
The incident, during a safe and dignified burial operation aimed at combating the ongoing Ebola outbreak, resulted in several volunteers sustaining injuries while carrying out their humanitarian duties.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has been leading the Ebola response in eastern DRC, Uganda, and neighboring countries.
The organization has initiated an emergency regional appeal for 29 million Swiss francs to intensify its efforts against the rare Ebola species that currently has no vaccine.
The outbreak’s epicenter is situated in an area heavily impacted by conflict, adding significant challenges to the response efforts.
The Red Cross Society of the DRC, supported by the IFRC, has deployed 200 volunteers in health zones in Bunia and Rwampara to support community engagement and public health activities, including providing information on safe and effective funeral handling, a critical aspect of containing the disease’s spread. Gregoire Mateso, the president national of the Red Cross of the DRC and secretary general in Kinshasa, declared, “We condemn this unacceptable act and express our solidarity and support to the affected volunteers and their families. “.
The organization’s deep concern about the scale and speed of the epidemic is evident in its ongoing efforts to combat the outbreak and protect the lives of those affected.
The attack on the volunteers in Bunia is a stark reminder of the risks that humanitarian workers face in conflict zones, emphasizing the need for increased security measures and support for those on the front lines of such crises.
The IFRC has called for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be held accountable.
As the Ebola outbreak continues to unfold, the global community remains vigilant.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the current outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, with efforts to contain the disease being closely monitored, and international support being mobilized to combat the spread of the virus.
The incident in Bunia is a tragic example of the dangers faced by humanitarian workers in the line of duty.
The IFRC’s response to the Ebola outbreak highlights the importance of international collaboration and the need for continued efforts to protect vulnerable populations in conflict-affected areas.
The resilience and dedication of the Red Cross volunteers in Bunia and across the DRC are commendable, and their efforts are crucial in the ongoing battle against this deadly disease.
As the Ebola outbreak continues to unfold, the world watches closely, hoping for a swift and effective response to this global health crisis.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Croix-Rouge de la RDC
