Ebola outbreak in Bunia

More than 4,000 people have died in five months from the deadliest outbreak in DRC's history.

World Health Organization classification

The outbreak, the 17th in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been classified by the World Health Organization as a public health emergency of international concern.

Community health workers step up

Community workers in Rwampara increased home visits and public awareness campaigns to inform residents about Ebola.

Health worker's challenge

Health worker Emmanuel Birunga said people initially dismissed Ebola as malaria or poison, leading to delays in seeking care.

“We used to have routine activities, but with Ebola we had to change what we do”

Community trust rebuilding

Health centres are filling up as residents regain confidence in services after Ebola deaths mounted.

Maternity unit disruptions

Pregnant women avoided health facilities due to fear of Ebola, causing births to fall by half.

Midwife's perspective

Midwife Victorine Kwikiriza explained health workers initially feared infection due to lack of protective equipment.

“At the start we were afraid of the women, the patients and the pregnant women, because we had no protection”

UNFPA's outreach strategy

UNFPA midwife Esther Mosseka described door-to-door awareness sessions to encourage women to use health services.

Women's heightened risk

Women face higher Ebola risk due to roles caring for sick and attending funerals.

Maternal health decline

Maternal deaths rose from three per week to almost five per week during the outbreak.

Children under observation

Unicef set up nurseries for children of Ebola patients who remain under observation.

Survivor's story

Sarah, an Ebola survivor, reunited with her daughter after losing her husband and much of her family.

“Early in the outbreak she lost much of her family, including her husband. Seven months pregnant, she then became ill herself”