Two Red Cross volunteers have died from a suspected Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it was confirmed today. The deaths come as a blow to efforts to contain the virus in a region already grappling with conflict and displacement.
The volunteers, who have not been named, were part of a team tasked with burying the dead and tracing contacts of infected individuals. They fell ill last week and died within days, raising fears that the virus may be spreading undetected.
Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe, director of the DRC’s National Institute for Biomedical Research, described the situation as “deeply concerning”. “We are investigating whether there has been a breach in protocols,” he said. “But we must remember the bravery of these volunteers who put their lives on the line to save others.”
The outbreak, which was declared in April, has infected at least 30 people and killed 15. The World Health Organisation has warned that the risk of spread is high, particularly in North Kivu province, where armed groups operate and healthcare access is limited.
Red Cross teams have been working alongside government health workers to vaccinate at-risk populations. But the deaths of these two volunteers could hamper such operations, as fear of infection grows.
“We are grieving,” said a Red Cross spokesperson. “But we will not give up. Our commitment to the people of the DRC remains unwavering.”
Questions are being asked about the safety of frontline workers. Many operate without adequate protective equipment, and the region’s volatile security situation makes it difficult to deliver supplies.
“We need more support from the international community,” said Muyembe. “The funds are not enough. Life-saving equipment is not enough. And now we are losing our own people.”
The DRC has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks since the 1970s, the largest of which killed over 2,200 people between 2018 and 2020. The current outbreak is the 14th in the country.
As the investigation continues, a sombre mood has settled over the communities these volunteers served. “They were our neighbours,” one resident said. “Now they are gone. We are scared.”
