Ebola in Congo: Local resistance complicates record outbreak

Alphonse bin Kitobi Achou Taibo faces a dual challenge in eastern Congo: treating the sick and overcoming a community that often views Ebola as poison or a curse. As the chief of Bapakombe-Bakondo, a village near Beni in North Kivu province, he has watched four relatives die from the disease while eleven others survived after being hospitalized. The conflict between medical urgency and local belief has become a central barrier to controlling the outbreak in this region.

Congo’s Ministry of Health reports that the outbreak, declared in May, has surpassed 10,000 confirmed cases with more than 4,800 deaths. The virus, identified as the rare Bundibugyo strain, lacks an approved vaccine or treatment. Health officials struggle to contain the spread while the disease moves into multiple African countries, including Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria. The outbreak has intensified in areas already affected by armed conflict, where poor infrastructure and violence limit access to care.

Achou Taibo described the difficulty of convincing his family to seek help. When relatives fell ill, they accused him of taking them to a place of death. He noted that local pastors sometimes associate the disease with evil spirits, and traditional healers often diagnose poisoning. In one instance, a traditional clinic treated his cousin, Zawadi Kavira Musubao, with a potion they claimed would remove poison. The treatment worsened her condition before she recovered from the virus.

The mistrust extends beyond individual households. Achou Taibo reported that young people in his neighborhood set fire to homes, accusing residents of witchcraft. This violence reflects a broader pattern of fear and misinformation. Dozens of rebel and militia groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces linked to the Islamic State, operate in eastern Congo. Their presence has displaced populations and restricted the movement of health workers. Front-line staff have also protested unpaid wages and dangerous working conditions.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, the Director-General of the Africa CDC, stated that the continent is "not winning" the fight against Ebola. Speaking to African health ministers at a virtual summit on Wednesday, he said, "what gives me hope is that no Minister looked away." The ministers agreed to prepare every country and coordinate across borders while keeping them open. However, the region faces complications from previous outbreaks where allegations of corruption undermined public confidence.

Survivors often face stigma after leaving treatment centers. Musubao, who lost a sister to Ebola, said her landlord forced her family out of their home after health workers disinfected the property. The landlord claimed the operation brought evil spirits inside. The family moved in with another sister. Musubao, who has been without a job since her illness, plans to start selling tomatoes and small fish to support her family.

Achou Taibo continues to organize testing and admission to treatment centers for anyone showing symptoms. He also provides food and money to those in need. He has addressed hostile crowds to explain the truth about the disease. "You have to speak in front of people and fearlessly tell them the truth," he said.