Experts Warn Mistrust and Lack of Preparation Hinder DRC Ebola Outbreak Response

• Ebola response in the DRC is severely hindered by community mistrust rooted in long-term neglect and a narrow, virus-only focus by international agencies.
• As of June 11, the DRC reported 635 cases and 127 deaths in an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain, for which no licensed vaccine or treatment exists.
• Experts warn that ignoring local health priorities like malaria, HIV, and malnutrition creates resentment toward Ebola-specific interventions.
• Conflict and security instability significantly impede aid access, with government forces controlling only about one-third of the affected North Kivu province.

Crisis of Trust and Approach

• Communities are frustrated that aid arrives only for Ebola, ignoring daily health burdens.
• WHO officials advocate for a holistic, comprehensive health approach that integrates malaria, measles, and mpox care alongside Ebola response.
• Building trust now relies on engaging local religious and traditional leaders to bridge the communication gap.

Lack of Preparedness

• Despite having experienced 17 previous outbreaks, the DRC currently lacks basic infrastructure for this response.
• Officials describe the current effort as starting from "scratch," noting that surveillance, infection control, and clinical care systems are inadequate.
• Field assessments in Ituri province indicate that infection prevention capacity at health facilities averages below 30 percent.

Structural Barriers

• Armed conflict remains a major obstacle, complicating access to populations and limiting the reach of health services.
• Experts emphasize that long-term sustainability requires strengthening core healthcare systems to ensure residents trust and utilize facilities for diagnosis and treatment.