Local communities in DR Congo vital to UN’s response to Ebola outbreak

The Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has continued for more than a year and the United Nations has played a key role in saving lives and preventing it from spreading.

In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), an outbreak of the deadly Ebola disease has affected thousands of people over the last year. A young boy, whose mother is suspected of contracting Ebola, is cared for in a centre in Butembo set up by UNICEF.

UN Photo/Martine Perret

Ruth Kavira Sikwaya contracted Ebola in November 2018 and recovered following treatment. She now works in the childcare centre in Butembo, caring for children who have been orphaned by the spread of the disease in the east of the country.

UN Photo/Martine Perret

24-year-old Kavira Kaviavu Matumaini also survived after a month of treatment. She, too, works in the childcare centre and says “I love the community and it feels like a family here.”

UN Photo/Martine Perret

Ebola is a deadly infectious disease and has claimed the lives of more than 1,900 people in the eastern DRC. Ebola treatment units like the one in Butembo need to follow strict hygiene protocols to avoid reinfection.

UN Photo/Martine Perret

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