The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have called for stronger community involvement and an intensified emergency response as the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to worsen.
The two health agencies said the response must prioritise early identification of cases, effective contact tracing, wider access to treatment, protection of frontline health workers and the rapid distribution of essential medical supplies to communities affected by the outbreak.
The call followed a high-level joint mission to Uganda and the DRC on August 4 and 5 to assess the progress of Ebola containment efforts and determine areas requiring stronger regional cooperation.
The delegation was led by WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus, Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya and WHO Regional Director for Africa Mohamed Janabi. The officials visited Kampala, Bunia and Kinshasa, where they held discussions with government representatives, healthcare workers, community leaders and response partners.
During the visit, the delegation examined the development of the outbreak, assessed gaps in the ongoing response and conveyed concerns from affected communities to government authorities.
The agencies pointed to Uganda’s recent experience as evidence that rapid detection, contact tracing and community participation can significantly curb Ebola transmission. Uganda declared its outbreak on July 28 after recording 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, with all identified contacts completing follow-up.
Africa CDC and WHO praised Uganda’s response while urging other countries in the Great Lakes region to improve surveillance and preparedness against possible cross-border transmission.
In Bunia, the epicentre of the DRC outbreak, the delegation inspected the Rwangole Ebola Treatment Centre to assess patient care, available capacity and the difficulties confronting health workers on the front line.
The agencies stressed that community trust would be critical to ending the outbreak. They urged residents to recognise Ebola symptoms early, report suspected infections quickly and seek medical attention without fear.
Religious leaders, traditional rulers, women and youth organisations were also identified as important partners in fighting misinformation, building confidence and encouraging residents to participate in disease surveillance and reporting.
The response has, however, continued to face serious challenges, including insecurity, displacement, misinformation, inadequate healthcare resources, delayed detection of cases, shortages of treatment facilities and limited support for frontline personnel.
According to the agencies, Ituri Province accounts for almost 90 per cent of confirmed Ebola infections, with Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu among the worst-affected health zones.
As of August 4, the DRC had recorded 3,973 confirmed Ebola cases, 1,801 deaths and 776 recoveries across 51 health zones. The latest 24-hour reporting period added 99 confirmed cases and 52 deaths.
Contact tracing coverage stood at 75 per cent, significantly below the 95 per cent target considered necessary to quickly break transmission chains. About 674 patients were still receiving care, while treatment centres in North Kivu were operating at 139 per cent of capacity.
To strengthen the response, Africa CDC and WHO called for the expansion of treatment centres, improved laboratory capacity, more ambulances and safe and dignified burial services.
They also urged authorities to ensure that health workers receive timely payment, adequate protective equipment and proper support, warning that protecting frontline personnel was essential to maintaining the response.
In Kinshasa, government officials also highlighted the need for better coordination, sustained funding and improved access to communities affected by the outbreak.
Africa CDC and WHO reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a nationally coordinated response involving government institutions, health workers, response partners and local communities.
The agencies said they would continue providing technical assistance and encouraged countries to strengthen disease surveillance rather than introduce unnecessary restrictions on travel and trade.