In Congo, doctors face Ebola with little protection: ‘We live with fear’ Health facilities at the center of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo are facing dire shortages of essential supplies like protective gowns, masks, and Ebola tests, putting healthcare workers at extreme risk. Delays in aid, logistical hurdles, and ongoing conflict exacerbate the situation, hindering efforts to contain the virus. Experts warn that without rapid intervention and improved infrastructure, the outbreak could become the largest ever seen in the DRC, with global repercussions.

• Healthcare facilities in Ituri province, DRC, lack basic protective equipment, tests, and clean water to combat the Ebola outbreak.
• A 25-year-old midwife and a doctor are among those exhibiting Ebola symptoms, having cared for patients before the outbreak was confirmed.
• The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, triggering global donations, but aid is insufficient on the ground.
• Logistical challenges, including suspended flights and eroded roads, coupled with ongoing conflict, impede the delivery of essential medical supplies.
• Dilapidated labs and reliance on basic tests delay accurate diagnosis, allowing the virus to spread undetected.
• Violence and displacement due to armed groups create conditions favorable for Ebola transmission, with many contacts of infected individuals not being monitored.
• Reduced U.S. involvement compared to past outbreaks, including withdrawal from WHO and downsizing of USAID, is cited as a factor in the slow response.
• Community mistrust and trauma, combined with widespread malnutrition, hinder effective communication and acceptance of prevention measures.