Congo Ebola Response Hampered by Local Resistance

The fight against Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is being hampered by the population's resistance to health workers and deep distrust of state institutions.

Following the confirmation of two Ebola deaths in Kpangba camp, staff from the ministry of health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and humanitarian organizations attempted to trace contacts of those infected. They were driven away by local residents who claimed Ebola was a hoax or that the women had not died from the disease.

The area is home to dozens of camps for displaced people, where more than 80,000 live in often severely inadequate sanitary conditions. Experts warn that such an environment can significantly accelerate the spread of the virus.

The current outbreak recalls the 2018-2020 epidemic, during which dozens of health workers were killed in attacks on medical facilities. Humanitarian organizations are warning of a further escalation of the health crisis.

(reuters, mja)