Catholic Church supports Ebola response in DR Congo

Armed conflict and rebel group activity in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are hindering efforts to contain a new wave of Ebola cases, according to Father Olivier Ndondo. The provincial superior of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in the DRC and Uganda told Aid to the Church in Need that insecurity makes it difficult for the government and the Church to reach affected areas to provide healthcare and aid.

The spread of the virus is worsened by the forced displacement of people fleeing violence. As populations move through the east and northeast toward the Ugandan border, the risk of transmission increases. While authorities have worked to diagnose and contain infections in much of the country, Father Ndondo noted that the situation remains critical in the east due to the war. The Catholic Church is attempting to support those affected through emergency relief and public health education.