As Ebola spreads, it amplifies mistrust

[u/TheContinentAfrica]

Edizon Musavuli, an artist, sends dispatches from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where communities and health authorities are responding to yet another Ebola outbreak – sometimes in sharply conflicting ways.

Butembo, North Kivu: The city was one of several hit by the 2018-2020 outbreak, the second-worst Ebola outbreak on record. It also experienced flare-ups in 2021 and 2022. Health authorities quickly rolled out safety protocols and messages this time, but some residents remain sceptical about the threat. As is the case in other areas, residents who are vigilant about infection prevention sometimes find themselves harshly judged by those who believe the virus doesn’t even exist.

Bunia, Ituri: This provincial capital is the epicentre of the current outbreak – and threat-assessment differences between experts and residents. In some cases, health workers are clashing with relatives of dead Ebola patients who insist on customary burials for their loved ones despite strict official protocols on body disposal.

Goma, North Kivu: This provincial capital is under the martial rule of March 23 Movement rebels, so its residents are caught between the virus and the gun.

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