Three Ebola treatment centers in the Democratic Republic of Congo were attacked by local villagers in a span of four days, leaving staff and patients fleeing in chaos. The attacks, which occurred in the eastern part of the country, were fueled by mistrust and false rumors surrounding the Ebola outbreak.
The World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern less than two weeks ago, and since then, tensions between communities and health providers have been escalating. Dr. Babou Rukengeza, the Ebola Response Health Lead for Save the Children in the Congo, says building trust is key to defusing the anger and stopping the attacks.
Understanding the Ebola Outbreak
The Ebola outbreak in the Congo has been marked by mistrust and misinformation, with rumors circulating on social media that Ebola is not real and that humanitarian workers are profiting from the crisis. Dr. Micaela Serafini, president of Doctors Without Borders Switzerland, says that during past Ebola outbreaks, similar tensions have arisen, particularly around the death and burial of Ebola patients.
In the Congo, death customs vary across the country’s 450 tribes, but it is generally important to honor the deceased with traditional burials, which can involve washing the body and sitting with or sleeping beside the corpse. However, during an Ebola outbreak, these practices are risky and can spread the virus further.
Efforts are underway to address the breakdown in trust, including hiring local staff, engaging community leaders, and disseminating accurate information through WhatsApp groups, churches, and community radio stations. Some community leaders will be given motorbikes to travel across the community and dispel rumors about the virus.
Rebuilding Trust and Moving Forward
Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says that while a minority of the community believes the false information, it is still a significant challenge to overcome. He emphasizes the importance of taking the time to build trust and educate the community about the virus and safe burial practices.
The attacks on Ebola clinics in the Congo highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the outbreak, one that takes into account the cultural and social context of the affected communities. As the international community responds to the crisis, it is clear that rebuilding trust and providing accurate information will be crucial to stopping the spread of the virus.
