Christian Aid Groups Mobilize Response to Ebola Outbreak in the DRC

Christian Aid Efforts Intensify in Response to DRC’s Ebola Crisis

In the wake of a troubling Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Christian aid groups are taking swift action to provide emergency health services in the region. The outbreak, which has spurred global alarm, was classified as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on May 15.

The outbreak, traced back to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in Ituri province, has yet to see an approved vaccine or treatment according to WHO reports.

Tearfund has initiated collaborations with local churches and faith leaders to curb the virus’s spread through educational initiatives emphasizing hygiene, early symptom detection, and secure burial practices.

Poppy Anguandia, Tearfund’s country director in the DRC, stressed the outbreak’s severity following a trip to Bunia in Ituri province, noting the challenges posed by the region’s highly mobile population.

With over 170 fatalities and more than 750 suspected cases, contact tracing is becoming increasingly difficult. “We can waste no time in mobilising faith leaders to prevent the spread of Ebola,” Anguandia stated, highlighting how pastors are already imparting practical advice on handwashing and medical assistance.

Tearfund has issued an emergency appeal to support its crisis response efforts.

Anguandia further commented, “The numbers are growing fast and timing is critical. This outbreak is situated in a densely populated region characterised by high levels of internal and cross-border migration. All the dominoes are set for a major disaster.”

Access to basic necessities remains a significant hurdle for many DRC residents, as Anguandia pointed out, “In the DRC people often have to choose between water to drink or water to wash their hands. Many people don’t have access to running water and often have to walk for miles to collect even a small amount.”

Tearfund, with over ten years of presence in Ituri province, has quickly activated communication channels to spread public health information and preventive measures among local communities.

The organization also highlighted the broader humanitarian issues in the area, such as the limited availability of essential sanitation supplies like soap and clean water, crucial for controlling infectious diseases.

Humanitarian aid cutbacks in recent years have compounded the challenges for charities and healthcare providers working amid vulnerable communities.

During past Ebola outbreaks from 2018 to 2020, Tearfund collaborated with health centers to set up clean water facilities, triage and isolation units, latrines, and incinerators as part of its emergency efforts.

The charity also joined forces with local communities and church leaders for awareness campaigns via radio broadcasts, public announcements, music, and door-to-door education in local languages, aiming to reduce transmission and combat stigma against Ebola survivors.

Samaritan’s Purse has also announced the deployment of a disaster response team to the DRC as the number of cases continues to climb.

The initial deployment will include outbreak specialists, engineers, infection prevention experts, and medical personnel focused on supporting local mission hospitals and enhancing infection control measures.

In collaboration with the DRC government, the Christian relief organization is also preparing an Ebola Treatment Centre and arranging shipments of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers on the front lines.

Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse, stated, “Samaritan’s Purse has been on the frontlines of fighting Ebola for more than a decade, and we aren’t going to stop now. We are going to do everything we can to help save lives. We want people to know that God loves them, and they are not alone.”

Samaritan’s Purse has previous experience managing Ebola treatment centers in Liberia and the DRC and has conducted extensive public health education campaigns with the help of thousands of church leaders and local volunteers.