Published on: 2026-06-05
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Despite noticeable progress in responding to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), medical services still face serious difficulties related to local residents’ distrust of the diagnosis and preventive measures. This was stated in an interview with Kristine Silveiro from the UN News Service by the acting director of WHO Emergency Situations in Africa, Marie-Roseline Belizer.
As of June 3, 381 cases of the disease have been confirmed in the DRC, including 64 deaths. In neighboring Uganda, 15 confirmed and one probable case of infection have been registered.
WHO and African centers for disease control and prevention today announced the launch of a six-month plan to combat the Ebola outbreak. Its implementation is expected to attract 518 million dollars. The document provides for strengthening the epidemic surveillance system, laboratory testing, clinical care, cross-border cooperation, and public information.
Laboratory diagnostic capabilities are expanding
The number of suspected Ebola cases has already decreased significantly. Belizer noted that this is related to the expansion of laboratory diagnostic capabilities.
“We have increased testing capacity from 40 to 800 analyses per day. This represents a significant expansion of laboratory potential,” she said.
According to the representative of VOZ, almost all incoming samples are now examined on the day of receipt, and patients receive results within 24–48 hours.
At the same time, the work on tracking contacts of the sick is being expanded. If previously only about 25 percent of contacts were processed, now this indicator has reached 45 percent. However, for effective containment of the outbreak, it is necessary to bring it up to 90–95 percent.
Movement of people remains a risk factor
Among the cases registered in Uganda was a citizen of the DRC, who had previously been in the United Arab Emirates.
“When an outbreak occurs and people move, it always causes alarm,” emphasized Belizer.
Along with that, international medico-sanitary regulations provide mechanisms for the exchange of information between countries, which allows for the prompt monitoring of such cases.
Distrust of doctors
One of the most serious problems remains the distrust of official information about the disease. Many local residents believe that the illness is associated with witchcraft or other factors, rather than a viral infection. In addition, Ebola symptoms can be confused with malaria.
Belize gave an example of a recent incident when a medical team arrived to evacuate a person who had died of Ebola in the DRC, to safe and dignified conditions.
“The family did not believe that it was Ebola, and they did not want our staff to be attacked,” she said.
According to the interlocutor of the UN News Service, local residents threatened to call armed insurgents if medical workers did not leave the territory. After the departure, the relatives independently took the body and transported it to another district.
“You can imagine how hard it is for the team and for us when we realize that these people have exposed themselves to the risk of infection,” Belizer said. She expressed concern that this case could lead to new infections and deaths.
Respect for culture and traditions
The WHO representative emphasized that work with the population is built not on denying local traditions, but on trying to combine scientific knowledge with cultural beliefs.
“We do not ask people to abandon their belief in witchcraft or other elements of their culture. We simply ask them to simultaneously recognize the existence of illness,” she noted.
For these purposes, VOZ actively interacts with various population groups: religious leaders, youth organizations, women, motor taxi drivers, and even traditional healers.
Recovery is possible
As of today, seven people have fully recovered after being infected with the Ebola virus. Six of them are medical workers.
According to Belizer, it unites one circumstance: they all sought help at an early stage of the disease.
“They recovered because they received timely help,” she said.
Treatment included intensive supportive therapy aimed at strengthening the immune system, replenishing fluids, and alleviating symptoms.
There are no vaccines yet
For the Bundibugyo strain, which caused the current outbreak, there is currently neither a vaccine nor an approved treatment method.
However, the situation, according to Belizer, inspires cautious optimism.
“They are being developedpromising vaccine candidates. We hope that within four to six months some of them will be ready to begin clinical trials,” she said.
Together with that, the expert emphasized that even the appearance of a vaccine will not replace the necessity of early medical care.
Stories that remain in memory
At the end of the interview, Belizer spoke about meeting a medic who contracted Ebola while caring for patients but decided to continue her work after recovering.
“She said that she was born to care about others, and that is exactly what she intends to continue doing,” recalls the representative of VOZ.
According to her, the stories of patients and families who have lost loved ones remain with her for a long time.
“I carry these stories in my heart and deeply empathize with these people,” said Belizer.
Note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It represents an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.