The Democratic Republic of Congo has imposed a ban on public gatherings in the eastern city of Goma as the Ebola virus continues to spread, raising fears of a wider outbreak. The measure, announced by provincial authorities on Tuesday, prohibits meetings of more than 20 people and restricts movement in affected areas. This comes as the country’s health ministry reported 15 new cases in the past week, bringing the total to 78 since the outbreak was declared in August.
Meanwhile, a team of British scientists from the University of Oxford and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has arrived in Goma to lead vaccine trials. The experimental vaccine, developed by the Jenner Institute, is based on the same technology used for the COVID-19 jab. Early trials in the UK have shown promising results, with the vaccine producing a strong immune response in volunteers.
The World Health Organization has expressed concern about the outbreak, which has already claimed 44 lives. The virus has been detected in three provinces, including North Kivu, where Goma is located. The city of 2 million people is a major transport hub, increasing the risk of international spread.
The ban on gatherings is a significant escalation of containment measures. Markets, churches, and schools have been ordered to close, and weddings and funerals are restricted to immediate family. Health workers are conducting door-to-door screenings and tracing contacts of infected individuals.
The British team’s involvement highlights the UK’s role in global health security. The vaccine trial aims to enrol 1,000 participants, including healthcare workers and contacts of confirmed cases. Results are expected within three months. If successful, the vaccine could be deployed across the region.
The outbreak is the 15th in DR Congo’s history. The country’s last major outbreak in 2018-2020 killed over 2,200 people. International donors have pledged £50 million for the response, but logistical challenges remain. Rebels in the east have attacked health centres, and community mistrust has hindered efforts.
Authorities have urged calm. “We are doing everything to stop the spread,” said Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe, the country’s top Ebola expert. “But we need the cooperation of everyone.”
