As the Ebola outbreak continues to spread, misinformation remains a significant challenge, hindering prevention efforts and reducing trust in health interventions. To help address this, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is scaling up community engagement across Ituri province, training local leaders and community volunteers to raise awareness, counter misinformation through trusted local networks, support the early detection of cases, and gather community concerns and feedback.

“Many people still do not accept that the disease exists, because they are frightened by the name Ebola,” said Akenedli Gbadi Edith, community leader in Rwankole, Bunia. “When people hear the word Ebola, they immediately think of death. No one wants to accept death, and this contributes to resistance. However, resistance is gradually decreasing, as we continue raising awareness. I will help people understand that this disease is real. Anyone who develops signs or symptoms should go immediately to a health facility.”

"Communities are the first line of defense against Ebola," said Lenet Kajogi, overseeing the IRC’s risk communication and community engagement activities in Bunia."When people have accurate information and trusted local leaders to turn to, they are better equipped to protect themselves, identify potential symptoms and seek care early. Community engagement is not just about sharing messages. It is about listening to people's concerns, responding to rumors and building trust."

As the Ebola outbreak continues to affect multiple provinces across the DRC, with more than 4,200 reported cases and nearly 2,000 deaths, these engagement activities are targeting representatives from religious institutions, schools, youth networks, women's groups and the transport sector. The scale and speed of the outbreak, which has surpassed the total number of cases recorded during the 2018-2020 outbreak in less than three months, underscore the importance of strengthening public awareness, building trust and supporting community-led prevention efforts as part of the overall response.

Building on 30 years’ experience in providing health support and community engagement activities in the DRC, the IRC is training community leaders in prevention and response measures across 15 health areas in Bunia, Rwampara and Nyankunde as well as six additional sessions in Goma. Following the trainings, community volunteers conduct door-to-door awareness sessions and small community discussions, while also collecting feedback and monitoring misinformation circulating within communities.

The IRC is supporting preparedness and response efforts in high-risk areas, strengthening infection prevention and control, surveillance, community engagement, and support for frontline health workers to help contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. Additional funding would enable the IRC to continue providing essential health, clean water and sanitation, community engagement, and protection services. It would also allow the IRC to expand its work into Beni and Butembo, two high-need areas in North Kivu where access to humanitarian assistance remains limited.