The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with an unprecedented Ebola outbreak that has claimed over 4,000 lives across the country, with the eastern province of Ituri bearing the heaviest toll. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, has proved particularly difficult to contain, with new cases frequently emerging outside monitored transmission chains and many fatalities occurring at home rather than in treatment centers.

Heather Kerr, country director for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in the DRC, described the severity of the crisis during a recent visit to Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province. Despite the city’s bustling streets and daily life continuing, the impact of the epidemic remains stark. Many people affected by the virus are not seeking hospital care, often succumbing to the disease in their homes before treatment can be administered. This reluctance is driven by widespread mistrust of healthcare providers, international organizations, and government authorities—a legacy of decades of conflict, corruption, and institutional neglect in the region.

The outbreak was detected late, giving the virus a significant head start in spreading before control measures could be effectively deployed. Adding to the challenge, there is currently no approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain, unlike previous outbreaks involving other strains of Ebola. The region’s already weakened health systems have also been impacted by substantial cuts in foreign aid, including a significant reduction in U.S. government funding for disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness since 2025. The IRC was compelled to reduce funding to primary care facilities in Ituri, limiting efforts to identify Ebola cases early and contain the spread.

Besides resource constraints, violence and insecurity continue to hamper response efforts. Eastern Congo has been embroiled in conflict for over 30 years, with more than 100 armed groups operating in the region. Since early 2026, at least 243 incidents involving violence, threats, or interference with aid workers have been reported, including killings of humanitarian personnel. An April agreement between the government and armed groups to protect health workers remains critical but faces ongoing challenges in implementation.

Community distrust has also led to outbreaks of violence against health centers, such as an armed attack on an Ebola treatment facility in Ituri in July, which forced patients to flee and jeopardized medical staff safety. The reluctance of many infected individuals to come forward for treatment complicates contact tracing efforts, with only about one-third of confirmed Ebola cases linked to known contacts. Cultural factors contribute to hesitancy as well; traditional funeral practices involving close contact with the deceased are incompatible with Ebola safety protocols, fuelling fear of isolation and stigmatization.

International partners have pledged nearly $3 billion to combat the outbreak, but less than half of the funds pledged as of late September have been disbursed. Kerr emphasized the need not only for increased funding but also for enhanced community engagement, advocating that health responses be shaped around local leaders, health workers, and Ebola survivors who are trusted within their communities. Religious leaders, in particular, are highlighted as crucial agents in disseminating accurate information and fostering acceptance of the response.

Despite the challenges, Congo’s history offers some hope, having confronted and controlled multiple Ebola outbreaks since the virus was first identified in the country in 1976. However, success now depends on bridging the gap between scientific advances and community trust. Without addressing fears and misinformation, including concerns about dying alone and perceptions of health interventions as exploitative, efforts to contain the virus risk being undermined, allowing Ebola to persist in hiding.