Attacks on Ebola health facilities are intensifying in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as the World Health Organization warns the outbreak could worsen in the DRC and Uganda. On Thursday, the Rwampara health centre was stormed by a group of angry residents demanding the bodies of relatives who had died from Ebola, according to local sources and partners of the Congolese government involved in the response. A day later, a tent provided by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) at a hospital in Mongbwalu, Ituri province, was set on fire following the death of a patient showing Ebola symptoms.
The incident at the MSF tent occurred after healthcare staff isolated the body of a deceased patient exhibiting Ebola symptoms, adhering to strict health protocols. While the body was being prepared for burial, tensions escalated, leading to the burning of two tents, according to the NGO Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA). ALIMA confirmed that despite the unrest, teams were able to secure the body for a dignified and safe burial in line with Ebola response standards.
Context of Resistance and Mistrust
Health workers in Ebola-affected areas of eastern DRC have frequently encountered community resistance, primarily due to strict burial protocols. These protocols require specialized handling of bodies to prevent further transmission of the virus, often clashing with local customs.
Aid agencies report that these tensions are frequently fueled by fear, rumors, and a deep-seated mistrust of medical teams. Gloire Idriss, a resident of Rwampara, stated that some community members believe Ebola is a
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