A six-year-old child, diagnosed with Ebola and abducted from a treatment centre in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been found alive and well, according to the World Health Organisation. The child was taken from a hospital in Beni, North Kivu province, on Tuesday evening, prompting a search involving local authorities, MONUSCO peacekeepers, and WHO teams. The abduction highlighted the precarious security situation for health workers battling the second-largest Ebola outbreak in history, with over 2,000 cases recorded since August 2018.
The child, whose identity has not been disclosed, is now receiving medical care. Dr. Michael Ryan, executive director of the WHO’s emergencies programme, confirmed the safe recovery on Friday, praising the coordinated efforts of the Congolese authorities and humanitarian partners.
The motive for the abduction remains unclear, though attacks on health facilities have been a recurring challenge. The incident underscores the volatility in the region, where armed groups and community mistrust complicate disease control measures. Congo's health ministry has not commented on whether any suspects have been apprehended.
The child's family has requested privacy.
