Volunteers Fight Ebola Misinformation in DR Congo

Volunteers are moving door-to-door to fight misinformation about Ebola in the area hardest hit by the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said on Friday.

The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment, was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization on Sunday.

The IFRC said it is working closely with communities in Mongbwalu, the centre of the outbreak, to educate residents on how to protect themselves and when to seek medical attention.“Community reactions remain mixed.

Some people understand the outbreak is real and are paying attention to the guidance on how to stay safe,” said Gabriela Arenas, Regional Operations Coordinator for the IFRC Africa Region, speaking to reporters via video link from Nairobi.

“Others are still suspicious and continue spreading misinformation, claiming Ebola is not real,” she added.

Tensions have already emerged in the area. Protesters recently burned tents used for Ebola patients after Congolese authorities refused to hand over the body of a popular local footballer suspected to have died from the virus. Residents wanted to conduct the burial themselves, while the family disputed claims that Ebola caused his death.

Arenas said the incident highlighted the importance of building trust within communities.

Health experts warn that the bodies of Ebola victims remain highly infectious after death, making unsafe burials one of the main causes of transmission.

“When a person dies from Ebola, body fluids such as sweat, saliva and other fluids can contain a very high viral load,” explained Laura Archer, the IFRC lead for clinical care and public health in emergencies.