Attacks on Red Cross in DR Congo making Ebola fight ‘harder’

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement expressed deep concern on Monday after six workers involved in battling a deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were attacked last week. The attacks, described as unacceptable, came from the Red Cross societies of the DRC and Uganda.

On August 17, a Ugandan Red Cross convoy providing aid to the Ebola response was targeted in Ituri province, the outbreak's epicentre, resulting in one serious injury. Two ambulances were also damaged when they were pelted with stones and vandalized the following day. On Wednesday, three volunteers were attacked and injured in Beni, North Kivu province, with their equipment used in the Ebola response destroyed.

These incidents highlight the immense risks faced by humanitarian workers while combating epidemics and emergencies. The statement emphasized that respecting humanitarian personnel and activities is crucial for ensuring that affected communities receive the necessary assistance and services. Each injury to a volunteer or damage to an ambulance, vehicle, or piece of equipment reduces the ability to provide emergency health and humanitarian services, potentially putting more lives at risk and making the epidemic harder to contain.

Since the Ebola outbreak was declared on May 15, 12 volunteers have been injured, ambulances damaged, and emergency response equipment destroyed in 11 violent incidents. The virus has affected regions in the north and east where health infrastructure is poor, and armed groups have been active for decades. Tensions with local communities have arisen over the handling of Ebola victims' remains, as burial procedures must be strictly supervised to prevent the virus from spreading through bodily fluids.

The World Health Organization (WHO) called on the DRC government to implement social distancing measures to contain the outbreak and ease restrictions for international health teams and supplies. The WHO urged authorities to conduct traffic stops for health checks in affected areas and limit motorcycle use to a single passenger.