Misinformation and the shadow of ‘Ebola business’

This 17th Ebola outbreak occurs in an unstable security context that fuels distrust and false information. In Butembo and Beni, in North Kivu province in eastern DRC, residents remain deeply affected by the 2018-2020 epidemic. The loss of loved ones, lack of information, and restrictions on visiting sick patients have eroded trust in medical response. In 2019, tensions led to the partial burning of a treatment center, forcing MSF to temporarily suspend activities in the area.

« Some people advised me not to go to the health center, claiming doctors would make my husband sick, » shares Elise*, who is accompanying her husband, who tested positive. Rumors spread across all social layers in the region. « Some deny the disease exists or accuse us of poisoning, » notes Dr. Pablo Paluku Lwanzo, Butembo health zone medical chief. The memory of the ‘Ebola business’ during previous crises—marked by financial abuse and gender-based violence—continues to undermine the safety of humanitarian workers.

Virus spreads faster than ever

As of July 13, 2026, Butembo and Beni recorded 122 and 31 confirmed cases, respectively, with 77 and 20 deaths. « These numbers are far below reality, » warns Hugo Soubrier, MSF epidemiologist in North Kivu. « Patients arrive at advanced stages, explaining the high mortality rate. Nearly half of infected individuals had contact with unidentified cases. »

A new isolation center for families

Denise’s sister was admitted to the new isolation center in Butembo, opened by MSF in early July. Denise and her family can visit her daily through a glass window. « It reassures me to see her, » she says. The center aims to contain the outbreak while allowing families to maintain contact. Delmas Kalemba, MSF logistics coordinator, explains that the team repurposed a building from the general referral hospital into a 35-bed treatment center.

Putting communities at the heart of the response

To curb the virus’s spread—now reaching Tshopo and Haut-Uélé provinces—and rebuild trust, MSF is engaging residents directly. « They have firsthand experience with Ebola and deep knowledge of the terrain, » says Margot Grelet, Butembo project leader. « Our role is to provide medical expertise, equipment, and treatments. » Teams regularly meet with community and religious leaders to tailor interventions, emphasizing early symptom consultation to improve recovery chances.

Community relays to inform the public

In Beni, 50 km from Butembo, a similar participatory approach is underway. « We rely on group leaders, opinion influencers, and civil society to spread prevention messages, » explains Delphine Ferry, health promotion coordinator. On the ground, 150 community relays trained by MSF answer families’ questions about the Bundibugyo virus and treatment center protocols.

Bringing care closer to reassure patients

This proximity-driven approach includes concrete operational choices. In addition to a 26-bed care center nearing completion near Beni’s referral hospital, MSF supports two local health centers by providing free primary care. Twelve observation rooms have been set up in Kanzulinzuli and Malepe health areas, with eleven more under construction in Madrandele and Kasabinyole. These spaces safely isolate and treat suspected cases while maintaining essential visual and social connections with loved ones.

*Names have been changed to protect identities.