The Ebola virus continues to spread in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in North Kivu. Beyond medical care and the opening of a new Ebola Treatment Center in Butembo, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is working closely with local communities and leaders in Butembo and Beni. The goal? Restore trust, adapt healthcare to local constraints, and strengthen public awareness.
Combating misinformation and the shadow of ‘Ebola business’
The 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC unfolds against a backdrop of instability, fueling distrust and misinformation. In Butembo and Beni, residents still bear the scars of the 2018-2020 epidemic. Grief from losing loved ones, lack of clear information, and restrictions on visiting patients have eroded confidence in medical responses.
In 2019, tensions escalated to the point of partially burning down a treatment center (CTE), forcing MSF to temporarily halt operations in the area. “Some advised me not to go to the health center, claiming doctors would make my husband sick,” shares Elise*, whose husband tested positive for Ebola.
In a region where humanitarian aid is scarce, the return of medical teams has revived old fears. “Rumors spread across all levels of society,” notes Dr. Pablo Paluku Lwanzo, health zone chief in Butembo. “Some deny the disease’s existence or accuse us of poisoning.” These false narratives, combined with past abuses—such as financial mismanagement and gender-based violence during the ‘Ebola business’ scandal—further endanger humanitarian workers on the ground.
Virus spreads at an alarming pace
As of July 13, 2026, Butembo and Beni reported 122 and 31 confirmed cases, respectively, with 77 and 20 deaths. “These numbers likely underrepresent the reality,” warns Hugo Soubrier, MSF epidemiologist in North Kivu. “Patients arrive at advanced stages, driving up mortality. Nearly half of those infected had contact with unidentified cases.”
A new isolation center offers hope for families
Denise’s sister was admitted to Butembo’s new isolation center, opened by MSF in early July. Daily visits through a glass partition bring comfort. “It reassures me to see her,” Denise says. “The goal of isolation is to curb transmission while allowing families to stay connected,” explains Delmas Kalemba, MSF logistics coordinator. The team repurposed a building from the general referral hospital into a 35-bed CTE.
Putting communities at the heart of the response
To halt the virus’s spread—now affecting Tshopo and Haut-Uélé provinces—MSF is prioritizing community involvement. “Local leaders know the terrain and Ebola’s challenges best,” says Margot Grelet, Butembo project manager. “Our role is to provide medical expertise, supplies, and treatments.” Teams regularly meet with community and religious leaders to tailor interventions, emphasizing early symptom reporting to improve survival odds.
Community liaisons bridge the information gap
In Beni, 50 km from Butembo, a similar participatory approach is in place. “We rely on village chiefs, opinion leaders, and civil society to spread prevention messages,” notes Delphine Ferry, health promotion manager. On the ground, 150 community liaisons trained by MSF address families’ questions about Bundibugyo virus and treatment centers.
Bringing care closer to patients
This commitment to proximity translates into tangible actions. MSF is finalizing a 26-bed care center near Beni’s referral hospital and supporting two local health centers with free primary care. Twelve observation rooms have been set up in Kanzulinzuli and Malepe health areas, with eleven more under construction in Madrandele and Kasabinyole. These spaces safely isolate and treat suspected cases while maintaining vital visual and social connections with loved ones.
*Names changed to protect identities.
