misinformation and the shadow of ‘Ebola business’

This 17th Ebola outbreak occurs against a backdrop of unstable security, fueling mistrust and the spread of false information. In Butembo and Beni, within the North Kivu province in eastern DRC, residents remain deeply scarred by the 2018-2020 epidemic. The loss of loved ones, lack of clear communication, and restrictions on visiting the sick have eroded confidence in the medical response.  

In 2019, tensions escalated to the point of partially burning down a treatment center (CTE), forcing Doctors Without Borders to temporarily halt operations in the area. 

« Some advised us not to go to the health center, claiming doctors would make my husband sick », shares Elise*, who is accompanying her husband, who tested positive.  

In a region where humanitarian aid is scarce, the return of medical teams has revived old fears. « Rumors spread across all levels of the population », observes Dr. Pablo Paluku Lwanzo, chief medical officer for the Butembo health zone. « Some deny the disease’s existence or accuse us of poisoning. » 

Adding to the misinformation is the lingering memory of the so-called ‘Ebola business’ during previous crises, marked by financial abuses and even gender-based violence. These past incidents continue to undermine the safety of humanitarian workers on the ground.

the virus spreads at an unprecedented pace

As of july 13, 2026, Butembo and Beni reported 122 and 31 confirmed cases, respectively, with 77 and 20 deaths. « These numbers are far below reality », warns Hugo Soubrier, an epidemiologist with Doctors Without Borders in North Kivu. 

« Patients arrive at an advanced stage, which explains the high mortality rate. Nearly half of those infected had contact with unidentified cases. »

a new isolation center to ease family fears

Denise’s sister was admitted to the new isolation center in Butembo, opened by Doctors Without Borders in early july. Denise and her family can now visit her daily through a glass partition. « It reassures me to see her », she says.  

« The goal of this isolation is to curb the spread of the disease while allowing families to stay in touch with patients », explains Delmas Kalemba, MSF’s logistics coordinator. In Butembo, teams repurposed a building from the general referral hospital into a 35-bed Ebola Treatment Center. 

putting communities at the heart of the response

To stem the virus’s spread—which has reached Tshopo and Haut-Uélé provinces—and rebuild trust, Doctors Without Borders is directly engaging local residents. « They have firsthand experience with Ebola and know the terrain », says Margot Grelet, project coordinator in Butembo. « Our role is to provide medical expertise, equipment, and treatments. » 

Teams regularly meet with community and religious leaders to tailor interventions. The priority is convincing people to seek care at the first signs of symptoms to improve recovery chances.

community leaders as frontline messengers

In Beni, 50 km from Butembo, the same participatory approach is in place. « We rely on group leaders, opinion influencers, and civil society to share prevention messages », says Delphine Ferry, health promotion manager. 

On the ground, 150 community relays trained by Doctors Without Borders address families’ practical questions about the Bundibugyo virus and treatment centers. 

bringing care closer to patients

This commitment to proximity is reflected in concrete operational choices. In addition to a 26-bed care center nearing completion near Beni’s referral hospital, Doctors Without Borders supports two local health centers by offering free primary care. 

Twelve observation rooms have been set up in Kanzulinzuli and Malepe health areas, with eleven more under construction in Madrandele and Kasabinyole. These spaces safely isolate and treat suspected cases while maintaining essential visual and social contact with loved ones. 

*Names have been changed to protect the anonymity of those interviewed.