Ebola in DR Congo: As the outbreak spreads, Caritas continues its response

31/07/2026

Two months after the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared its 17th Ebola outbreak, the situation remains deeply concerning. The epidemic continues to spread across the eastern part of the country, where conflict, displacement and a fragile health system make the response even more challenging. Despite these conditions, Caritas teams continue to work alongside communities to curb the spread of the virus and protect those most at risk.

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An outbreak that continues to spread

The epidemic now affects 34 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Ituri remains the epicentre of the outbreak, while new hotspots continue to emerge in neighbouring provinces.

In Bunia, several new cases have recently been confirmed in the Kigonze displacement site. This has raised concerns that the virus could also spread to nearby camps, where thousands of people have sought refuge after fleeing violence. Living conditions in these camps are extremely challenging, making it very difficult to isolate infected individuals and implement basic hygiene measures. As a result, any further spread of the virus could have particularly severe consequences.

In the Butembo-Beni area, the Ebola response is facing additional challenges. Health workers have been attacked, a health centre has been vandalised, and confirmed patients have even been removed from care with the support of part of the local community. It is a reminder that fighting Ebola is not only about providing medical care, but also about building trust in prevention measures.

An epidemic is not fought only in treatment centres. It is also fought in villages, parishes and families. By listening to communities and building trust, local teams encourage people to follow prevention measures and are better able to detect suspected cases quickly so they can be referred to health facilities.

Catherine Courbe, Humanitarian Coordinator at Caritas International

A response that adapts to evolving needs

Caritas teams continue working hand in hand with local communities.

They keep raising awareness, countering rumours, strengthening community surveillance and supporting health facilities with infection prevention and control. This work is essential to detect suspected cases quickly and limit the spread of the virus.

But the needs go beyond prevention.

In Goma, the teams are providing nutritional support in quarantine sites. During the second half of June, more than 1,600 hot meals were distributed to people in isolation with the support of the World Food Programme (WFP).

Access to water and hygiene is also an important part of the response. Teams are supporting the installation of handwashing facilities and strengthening prevention measures in health facilities and in places where communities gather.

Growing challenges

This work continues under extremely difficult conditions.

There is still a shortage of personal protective equipment, including masks, gloves and boots. Several health facilities lack sufficient access to water or effective triage systems for receiving patients. In some areas, misinformation and distrust towards health workers continue to hamper the response.

To respond to the evolving outbreak, Caritas Congo is strengthening its coordination with diocesan Caritas organisations, health authorities and partners. Together, they are continuously adapting the response to new transmission hotspots and the needs of affected communities.

The risk of further spread does not stop at the borders of the DRC. As a result, neighboring countries, including Uganda, have also implemented preventive measures.

Uganda has since officially declared the Ebola outbreak over. This demonstrates that a rapid, coordinated, and prevention-based response can successfully contain the spread of the virus. At the same time, continued vigilance remains essential, as new infections can re-emerge at any time.