Emergency Response to the EBOLA outbreak in DRC

The epidemic spreading in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in recent weeks and declared by the World Health Organization as an international Health Emergency is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, a new strain of Ebola that poses a new threat to global health. Absence of specific treatments, delays in the initial diagnosis, together with widespread insecurity due to the ongoing conflict in Eastern Congo and the extremely fragile health system, make this epidemic outbreak particularly alarming.

INTERSOS INTERVENTION

INTERSOS is working in Ituri province to strengthen prevention, early diagnosis, and rapid response. Recognising the complexity of the situation, the organisation is adopting an integrated approach that takes local security dynamics into account, based on four key pillars:

Infection Prevention and Control - We improve infection prevention and control measures in both communities and health care facilities. In the latter, where the risk of infection is highest, we ensure that there is running water and safe systems for the disposal of medical waste. More generally, we ensure access to safe water and sanitation (WASH) at strategic points and health centers.

Surveillance and early warning - We strengthen epidemiological surveillance and early warning systems, both in health centers and communities, to detect new cases early. To do this effectively, we actively involve local leaders and community liaisons, who are our “reference on the ground.

Community outreach - We know that medicine alone is not enough if trust is lacking. To overcome mistrust and cultural resistance, the intervention focuses on dialogue with the population through concrete actions:

• 150 local activists on the ground: We train and deploy community volunteers, local people who speak the language of the communities, to explain how to defend against the virus.
• Widespread information: We use direct dialogue, illustrated posters, and broadcasts on local radio stations to reach everyone: women, men, girls, and boys.
• Active listening against false myths: To break down fear, we collect people’s doubts and respond to the stories that circulate. Only by listening to real concerns can we adapt our help and really stop the contagion.

Coordination of humanitarian aid - We actively support multi-sectoral emergency coordination. We work with authorities and other organisations to ensure that the efforts of all humanitarian actors on the ground are timely, integrated, and effective.