A global call has been issued by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to urgently bolster the safety and support for frontline responders in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as they battle a challenging outbreak of the Bundibugyo virus. This severe type of Ebola virus has already taken a heavy toll on dedicated health workers, underscoring the vital need for immediate and sustained protective measures. As of early July 2026, the outbreak has led to 112 health worker infections across the DRC, tragically claiming 35 lives. The recent confirmed infection of a U.S. humanitarian worker in Bunia, who was actively supporting the response, has further emphasized the critical risks faced by all personnel on the ground. These brave individuals are the backbone of any outbreak response, putting their own well-being on the line to safeguard communities. ## Understanding the Bundibugyo Virus Threat The Bundibugyo virus is one of several types of Ebolavirus, known for causing severe hemorrhagic fever in humans. Like other Ebolaviruses, it is highly contagious and can be fatal. Symptoms typically appear suddenly and include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, and in some cases, unexplained bleeding. The fatality rate for Bundibugyo virus disease can range significantly, often between 25% and 80%, making it a formidable public health challenge. Transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids (like urine, feces, saliva, vomit, breast milk, and semen) of an infected person, or with objects contaminated with these fluids. It is crucial to understand that Bundibugyo is not an airborne disease. This mode of transmission directly places health workers, who are in close contact with patients and their fluids, at exceptionally high risk. Without stringent infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), the risk of contagion is profound. ## Why Health Worker Safety is Paramount Frontline responders, including doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, community volunteers, and humanitarian staff, are the first and last line of defense against outbreaks. Their work involves identifying new cases, providing critical medical care, tracing contacts of infected individuals, and engaging with communities to build trust and promote safe practices. If these essential workers become infected, it not only endangers their lives but also severely compromises the entire public health response. An infected health worker can inadvertently become a source of further transmission, and their absence due to illness or death depletes an already stretched workforce. Beyond the immediate health risk, the infection of health workers can erode public trust in health systems, deterring people from seeking care or cooperating with response efforts. It also creates immense psychological strain and burnout among remaining staff, who operate under intense pressure in often difficult and dangerous environments. Ensuring their safety is not just an ethical imperative; it is a strategic necessity for effectively containing and eventually stopping the spread of the virus. ## Essential Protective Measures for Responders Africa CDC Director-General, Dr. Jean Kaseya, has profoundly honored the courage and commitment of all responders, emphasizing that robust protective measures are non-negotiable. These measures are multifaceted and require continuous investment and implementation: ### Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Reliable and consistently available PPE, including medical-grade gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection, and robust boots, is fundamental. Responders must be trained thoroughly on the correct way to don (put on), doff (take off), and dispose of PPE to prevent self-contamination. Any lapse in PPE availability or proper usage can have catastrophic consequences. ### Strong Infection Prevention and Control Systems Beyond individual PPE, comprehensive IPC systems are critical within healthcare facilities. This includes rigorous hand hygiene protocols, safe management of medical waste, sterilization of equipment, and strict isolation procedures for patients. These systems create a protective barrier around both patients and staff, minimizing the risk of pathogen spread within clinical settings. ### Continuous Training and Skill Development Outbreak scenarios are dynamic, and protocols can evolve. Continuous training ensures that all responders are up-to-date on the latest guidelines for case management, contact tracing, safe burial practices, and community engagement. This not only enhances their effectiveness but also reinforces safety protocols, making them second nature. ### Psychosocial Support The emotional and psychological toll of responding to a deadly outbreak cannot be overstated. Responders often witness immense suffering, face social stigma, and operate under constant stress. Providing accessible mental health services, counseling, stress management programs, and peer support networks is crucial for their long-term well-being and to prevent burnout. ### Safe and Secure Working Conditions Establishing safe working environments extends to physical security, especially in regions prone to instability or conflict, such as parts of the DRC. It also involves ensuring adequate staffing to prevent exhaustion, clear operational guidelines, and transparent reporting mechanisms for suspected exposures or symptoms. A secure and supportive environment enables responders to focus on their critical tasks without undue additional concerns. ## The DRC Context: A Complex Challenge The Democratic Republic of Congo is no stranger to public health emergencies. The nation has grappled with numerous outbreaks of Ebola, measles, cholera, and other infectious diseases over the years, often concurrently. These challenges are compounded by a complex humanitarian context, including internal conflict, population displacement, and significant logistical hurdles due to limited infrastructure. This environment places immense strain on an already fragile health system and its dedicated workforce, making international support even more vital. ## Urgent Call for Financial and Operational Support Dr. Kaseya's statement underscores that while governments and partners have made commitments, rapid disbursement of these funds and additional contributions are critically needed. These resources are essential to close existing gaps in priority areas: * **Personal Protective Equipment and Infection Prevention Supplies:** Ensuring a steady, adequate supply chain. * **Continuous Training:** For new and existing responders. * **Mental Health and Psychosocial Support:** Addressing the unseen wounds of the pandemic. * **Safe Working Conditions:** Including security and adequate facilities. * **Operational Tools:** For effective surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing, and community engagement. Africa CDC, through its Continental Incident Management Support Team, continues to provide vital support to the governments of DRC and neighboring Uganda, coordinating with affected Member States and international partners. They stress that all organizations operating in affected areas must strengthen occupational safety measures, rapidly report any suspected exposures or symptoms, and provide unwavering support to their personnel. The global health community has a shared responsibility to protect those who protect us. By ensuring the safety and well-being of every responder, we not only uphold an ethical duty but also significantly strengthen our collective ability to contain outbreaks and safeguard global health security. The anonymity and dignity of infected individuals, like the U.S. humanitarian worker, will be rigorously protected, with further specific information shared only in line with established public health protocols.