Congo Bishops call for action against Ebola

Catholic bishops in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are calling for more intensive efforts to contain the country's 17th Ebola outbreak. In a communiqué released September 3, the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) urged citizens and authorities to mobilize against the virus, stating the epidemic must not have the final say over the lives of the people.

CENCO President Archbishop Fulgence Muteba of the Lubumbashi Archdiocese signed the statement, which expressed concern over the rapid rise in infections and deaths since the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare declared the outbreak on May 15. The bishops described the epidemic as a severe threat and a trial that requires the utmost seriousness.

Official epidemiological figures cited by CENCO show that confirmed cases rose from 53 in Ituri on May 19 to 5,713 nationwide by August 25. The data recorded 2,744 deaths, a fatality rate of 48 percent, 770 isolated patients, and 1,269 recoveries. The bishops warned that official numbers could increase because many suspected cases remain unreported outside healthcare facilities. The situation is further complicated by ongoing armed conflicts and population movements.