Congo-Kinshasa: Ebola - Motorbike Riders Carrying the Sick May Hold Key to Response Boost

The Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached a grim milestone, with the number of deaths surpassing 2,300, making it the deadliest outbreak ever recorded. Dr Thierno Baldé, WHO Incident Manager for the Bundibugyo virus disease in the DRC, spoke of the challenges faced by communities, where people are grieving the loss of their relatives to the virus.

The fatality rate has now reached 46 percent, and the outbreak has spread to a sixth province, Bas-Uele, bringing the total confirmed cases to over 5,000.

Community engagement is now a top priority for the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of the multi-pronged response. Dr Baldé highlighted the crucial role motorbike riders play in transporting patients and dead bodies, making them a key link in disease surveillance. The WHO plans to recruit these riders as surveillance and response officers, providing them with handwashing stations and disinfectant.

Additionally, the organization will deploy 100 additional expert epidemiologists and support over 500 community health workers to carry out contact tracing and identify infected individuals. Safe and dignified burials are also being emphasized, with local people being equipped with chlorine and gloves to handle bodies safely.