EBOLA: INTERSOS RESPONDS TO EMERGENCY IN CONGO

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The epidemic spreading in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in recent weeks and declared by the World Health Organization as an international Health Emergency is caused by the Bundibugyo virus (Bundibugyo ebolavirus). The epicenter of this epidemic is in Ituri province in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and it is spreading to other provinces as well. Although the Democratic Republic of Congo has faced numerous Ebola outbreaks in its recent history, the logistical, epidemiological and social factors related to this specific outbreak are particularly alarming among humanitarian and health agencies.

WHAT IS EBOLA

Ebola virus disease is a viral hemorrhagic fever, often fatal to humans. It is transmitted by direct contact with infected body fluids, especially by caring for a sick person without protection, during health care without appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, or in traditional funerals with direct contact with the body of the deceased. The strain of Ebola that is currently spreading is named after the district of Uganda where it was first identified about two decades ago.Historically, this variant, the Bundibugyo strain, tends to have a lower lethality rate than the better-known and more aggressive Zaire strain (which has exceeded 70-90 percent in past outbreaks). Bundibugyo lethality is usually between 30 and 50 percent, although current data are being closely monitored to understand the aggressiveness of this specific wave.

Absence of specific treatments

For Bundibugyo variant, there are no approved medical countermeasures, vaccines or specific drugs. Treatment relies solely on general supportive medical therapy, with an estimated lethality rate of 30% to 50%. For this reason, protection through Personal Protective Equipment is essential.

Delays in initial diagnosis

Rapid diagnostic tests were calibrated to recognise the Zaire strain. As a result, the Bundibugyo virus circulated for weeks in communities without being identified, greatly accelerating the chain of infection before an official alert was issued.

Transmission through the deceased

One of the main routes of infection is through direct contact with bodies, particularly during the handling of the deceased, whose viral load is extremely high. Both authorities and aid organisations are carrying out intensive awareness campaigns to stop this chain of transmission. However, the main obstacle is cultural: in these communities, the celebration of funerals and respect for traditions related to mourning are invaluable.

Urban sprawl and the case of Goma

The impact of these dynamics and strong regional mobility has already shown dramatic consequences. The new variant of Ebola has indeed managed to penetrate the important urban hub of Goma. This highlights the ease with which the virus can travel covering great distances, amplifying the risk of uncontrolled outbreaks in large cities and across national borders, as has already happened with the cases confirmed in the Ugandan capital, Kampala.

INTERSOS INTERVENTION

 

Amidst this crisis, INTERSOS is working in Ituri province to strengthen prevention, early diagnosis and rapid response. We will be working in 20 health zones within the Nyankunde, Rwampara and Komanda health districts. Recognising the complexity of the situation, the organisation is adopting an integrated approach that takes local security dynamics into account, based on four key pillars:

Infection Prevention and Control

We improve infection prevention and control measures in both communities and health care facilities. In the latter, where the risk of infection is highest, we ensure that there is running water and safe systems for the disposal of medical waste. More generally, we ensure access to safe water and sanitation (WASH) at strategic points and health centers.

Surveillance and early warning

We strengthen epidemiological surveillance and early warning systems, both in health centers and communities, to detect new cases early. To do this effectively, we actively involve local leaders and community liaisons, who are our “reference on the ground.

Community outreach, listening and trust

We know that medicine alone is not enough if trust is lacking. To overcome mistrust and cultural resistance, the intervention focuses on dialogue with the population through concrete actions:

  • 150 local activists on the ground: We train and deploy community volunteers, local people who speak the language of the communities to explain how to defend against the virus.
  • Widespread information: We use direct dialogue, illustrated posters and broadcasts on local radio stations to reach everyone: women, men, girls and boys.
  • Active listening against false myths: To break down fear, we collect people’s doubts and respond to the stories that circulate. Only by listening to real concerns can we adapt our help and really stop the contagion.

Coordination of humanitarian aid

We actively support multi-sectoral emergency coordination. We work with authorities and other organisations to ensure that the efforts of all humanitarian actors on the ground are timely, integrated and effective.

Our Crisis Management Team is mobilised to ensure the safety of personnel and to ensure timely intervention to protect the most vulnerable communities.

Federica Biondi, Head of Mission in Congo

Our goal is to make sure that the population knows exactly what to do and who to call when there is a suspected case.

DISTRIBUTION OF HYGIENE KITS AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

RESTORATION OF CLEAN WATER SOURCES AND PUBLIC FOUNTAINS

TRAINING OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Operating in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo means moving through a labyrinth of overlapping fragilities. Ebola is not just a medical emergency, but a threat that creeps in amid the wounds of chronic conflict, the shock of continuous displacement, and the chronic lack of adequate water and sanitation facilities.