Escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is hampering efforts to control the ongoing Ebola outbreak, raising concerns about the virus’s potential to spread further, according to the United Nations. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that clashes and armed attacks in several provinces are restricting access to affected communities and disrupting crucial response activities.
On Friday, an attack in Beni territory, North Kivu province, resulted in the deaths of at least five civilians, according to local civil society groups cited by OCHA. Renewed fighting in Masisi territory, also in North Kivu, has prompted additional population displacement and forced humanitarian agencies to limit their movement in the region, significantly hindering their ability to reach those in need.
Similarly, in South Kivu province, ongoing hostilities in Kabare territory over the past three days have caused civilian casualties and new displacements. The violence has compelled the World Food Programme and its collaborating partners to postpone planned food distributions in the affected areas.
In Ituri province, which remains the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak, front-line health workers are increasingly at risk. OCHA reported that armed elements abducted a health worker in the Mongbwalu health zone earlier this week and compelled them to perform a post-mortem examination without protective gear, underscoring the dangers faced by medical personnel operating amid insecurity.
As of Thursday, the DRC health authorities confirmed 41 new Ebola cases, bringing the total number of infections to 676 across Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. Despite these operational challenges, the UN and its partners continue collaborative efforts with local communities to contain the outbreak. OCHA urged all parties involved in the conflict to uphold international humanitarian law and to ensure unobstructed access for both medical and humanitarian teams. The office emphasized the critical importance of maintaining surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory sample transport, medical referrals, emergency deployments, and safe burials without interruption.
Meanwhile, in Nairobi, Kenyan health officials reassured the public that the country remains free of Ebola amid heightened surveillance efforts. Aden Duale, cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Health, announced that all suspected cases have tested negative and stressed the importance of sustained vigilance. He outlined that Kenya has strengthened its national disease surveillance systems, including increased screening at entry points, laboratory preparedness, healthcare worker training, risk communication, and isolation and treatment capacity.
Duale appealed to the media and healthcare professionals for continued collaboration to prevent misinformation and to ensure early detection of any potential cases. He also clarified that recent investments in preparedness measures across Kenyan counties should not be interpreted as signs of an outbreak but rather as prudent steps to enable a rapid and effective emergency response if necessary. “Preparedness should never be mistaken for panic,” he stated.