## Understanding the Ebola Challenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has frequently grappled with outbreaks of Ebola virus disease, a severe and often deadly illness. This highly contagious disease, which can claim the lives of up to 90% of those infected if left untreated, presents a formidable public health challenge. Ebola spreads through direct contact with blood or other body fluids from an infected person, or contaminated objects, making rapid containment crucial. Symptoms can vary but typically begin with sudden fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat, progressing to vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. In a nation frequently beset by humanitarian crises, including widespread displacement and armed conflict, managing such an outbreak becomes even more complex. The latest surge, caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, emerged in Ituri Province on May 15, 2026. This region, already struggling with insecurity and limited access to healthcare, quickly became a focal point for the health response. As of July 11, 2026, the outbreak had tragically claimed 702 lives from 1926 confirmed cases, highlighting the severe impact of the virus and the urgent need for effective interventions. ## The Crucial Role of Community Engagement When Ebola strikes, fear and misinformation often spread as rapidly as the virus itself. In the early days of the Ituri outbreak, communities in places like Kigonze, a settlement for internally displaced people on the outskirts of Bunia, experienced immense doubt and resistance. Léonard Djombo, a dedicated community volunteer, vividly recalls these challenging times. “One day, we recorded seven deaths in the settlement… The following day, there were another five deaths,” he recounted. This devastating toll, however, proved to be a turning point. As families witnessed the rapid progression of the disease and subsequently accepted testing, positive Ebola results began to convince them of the disease's reality. Recognizing that a top-down approach would fall short, the Ministry of Public Health, with robust support from partners like the World Health Organization (WHO), strategically placed dialogue with communities at the very core of their response. This emphasis on ‘Risk Communication and Community Engagement’ (RCCE) was designed to foster trust, provide accurate information, and address local concerns directly. Hussein Twaibu, an advisor to the Minister of Health and the National Chair of the RCCE pillar, observed a significant shift. He noted that regular, open discussions within communities gradually transformed perceptions, moving people from skepticism to active participation in health measures. ## Building Trust Through Local Leadership and Dialogue The success of this community-centred strategy lay in its genuine engagement with a diverse array of local stakeholders. Health teams partnered closely with traditional leaders, revered religious figures, influential women's and youth associations, and a network of committed community volunteers like Djombo. These individuals, deeply embedded within their communities, became indispensable bridges between health authorities and the affected population. They facilitated regular discussions, allowing concerns to be voiced, questions to be answered, and interventions to be adapted to specific local realities. Léonard Djombo, having undergone specific training on Ebola, became a frontline educator. He moved from home to home, sharing vital information about Ebola's signs and symptoms, essential prevention methods, and the critical importance of seeking medical help without delay. This persistent, personalized approach helped dismantle myths and build confidence, one conversation at a time. The result was a profound change: communities began to proactively request health services, including investigation teams for suspected cases, dignified and safe burials for victims, access to care, personal protective equipment, and reliable information about treatment options. They were no longer passive recipients but active proponents of public health, demanding “faster and better-quality services,” as Twaibu noted. ## The Life-Saving Impact of Early Intervention One of the most critical outcomes of increased community trust and engagement is the improved rate of early health-seeking behaviour. Dr. Yves Tibamwenda, working at the University Hospital Centre of Bunia, has witnessed this transformation firsthand. He explains that patients who arrive at treatment centres early have a significantly higher chance of survival because their bodies have not yet developed severe complications. “The sooner they come, the greater their chances of recovery,” he emphasized. This simple yet profound truth underscores why community engagement is not merely a public relations exercise, but a direct factor in saving lives. When communities understand the benefits of early care and trust the healthcare system, they are more likely to bring their loved ones for treatment promptly. This acceptance also extends to other crucial public health measures like contact tracing, which helps identify people who may have been exposed to the virus, and safe and dignified burials, which prevent further transmission from the deceased. As Julienne Anoko, WHO's lead for risk communication and community engagement in DRC, rightly puts it, “When communities contribute to decision-making, they become active partners in the response. Community engagement is central because it ensures that the response is relevant, accepted, effective and grounded in the needs and realities of affected populations.” ## Quantifiable Progress and Future Directions The impact of this community-led strategy is not just anecdotal; it’s reflected in tangible results. Between May 25 and June 24, 2026, over 2.5 million people across Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces were reached through various community-based awareness activities. Over 2,800 community leaders were actively engaged in spreading prevention messages. Furthermore, a dedicated rapid community intervention brigade, comprising 15 local leaders, successfully managed 27 incidents of resistance related to suspected cases, community deaths, or response activities. These interventions resolved potential conflicts through dialogue, preventing escalation and ensuring the continuity of vital health operations. Beyond these impressive numbers, response teams observed a marked increase in community participation across several critical areas: more cooperation with contact tracing efforts, higher rates of sample collection, swifter transfers to treatment centres, and greater acceptance of safe and dignified burial practices. These changes are a testament to the daily efforts of community volunteers like Djombo, who remain on the front lines, answering questions, easing fears, and offering support. His enduring motivation comes from witnessing his community’s journey from initial doubt to a clear understanding of the disease, and the profound impact of timely action. “Today, people understand the disease better. We have seen that when families act quickly, they are more likely to protect their loved ones. Seeing these changes in my community motivates me to continue this work every day,” he affirmed. The success in Ituri serves as a powerful reminder for global health efforts: true progress against outbreaks, especially in complex humanitarian settings, hinges on empowering and partnering with the very communities most affected. It's a model that builds resilience, fosters trust, and ultimately saves lives by making public health a shared responsibility.