DRC: Action Against Hunger Strengthens Its Response to the Ebola Outbreak

Despite significant efforts to contain the outbreak, the Ebola virus continues to spread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with eight provinces now affected. Since the beginning of the outbreak on 15 May, more than 9,627 cases have been reported, including 4,646 deaths as of 19 October. This latest outbreak is affecting a country already facing immense humanitarian needs: in the DRC, nearly 18.5 million people require assistance and 26.5 million are experiencing food insecurity. The rapid expansion of affected areas, combined with the delayed mobilisation of donor funding, has complicated Ebola response efforts.

“The continued transmission of the virus is fuelled by persistent mistrust among some communities towards response actors, as well as challenges related to ensuring safe and dignified burials. In addition, the rapid geographic spread characteristic of this outbreak requires considerable flexibility from both response actors and associated funding mechanisms,” said Julie Drouet, Country Director for Action Against Hunger in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Furthermore, improving contact tracing coverage, currently estimated at 78%, remains a key challenge to strengthening the effectiveness of the response and limiting the spread of the virus. Thanks to new international funding, Action Against Hunger is preparing to scale up and strengthen its interventions in Ituri and plans to deploy teams to Haut-Uélé Province. Beyond medical care, the organisation bases its response on prevention and building trust with communities. To reach the most isolated villages, the organisation has also established mobile teams that travel directly to affected communities.

A multisectoral response centred on communities

In health facilities, Action Against Hunger supports the early detection of suspected cases and the monitoring of people exposed to the virus. To date, 22 health centres have received prevention and protective equipment, while four facilities have benefited from improved access to water, a critical element in preventing infections.

In Mongbwalu, more than 13,800 people have already been reached with awareness-raising activities on the ongoing outbreak through door-to-door visits, community meetings, radio broadcasts, and information sessions in public spaces. In Drodro, community health workers have been trained to provide information to residents, address their concerns, and counter rumours that may hinder response efforts.

Finally, Action Against Hunger provides mental health and psychosocial support to populations affected by the epidemic. A total of 1,214 people have received support in the Drodro and Lita health zones to help them cope with grief, stigma, fear, and uncertainty. To strengthen support mechanisms within communities themselves, 90 community leaders have been trained in psychological first aid adapted to epidemic contexts.

Ensuring continuity of essential nutrition and health services

In the health zones of Mongbwalu, Lita, and Drodro, Action Against Hunger contributes to maintaining essential health services, particularly for pregnant women, young children, and people suffering from malnutrition. Teams on the ground have observed a worrying decline in attendance at health facilities in recent months. Fears of infection or referral to Ebola treatment centres have led many families to avoid seeking care, compromising the management of childhood illnesses and the early detection of acute malnutrition. In Mongbwalu, the number of new consultations for integrated management of childhood illnesses dropped from 3,053 in April 2026 to just 1,711 in August. Over the same period, admissions for acute malnutrition fell from 179 to 66 cases.

“Every delay or failure to receive treatment increases the risk of complications and death, particularly for children under five,” warned Julie Drouet, Country Director for Action Against Hunger in the DRC. “We fear that this outbreak will further aggravate an already critical humanitarian situation.”

In light of the emergency, Action Against Hunger calls on authorities, partners, and international donors to fully integrate Ebola response efforts into the broader humanitarian response and to place communities at the centre of strategies to combat the epidemic.

*The Ebola response is funded through the support of the United States Government, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Start Network, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the Government of Canada (GAC), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).