DR Congo Official Urges Vigilance Against Ebola in Kisangani

A national lawmaker from Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo, has called on the population to be vigilant and take preventive measures against the Ebola virus, which is affecting the city. Patrick Matata Makalamba, in a statement released on September 25, 2026, urged the government to strengthen information dissemination, provide proximity care to patients, and equip healthcare providers with necessary protective gear. He emphasized the need for collective responsibility in fighting the disease.

Makalamba recommended that the population adopt preventive measures such as regular handwashing with soap and water, avoiding contact with patients or deceased individuals with suspicious causes, and quickly reporting suspected cases to nearby health centers. He also advised against consuming bushmeat and having contact with dead animals, and encouraged people to rely on information from official sources and avoid spreading rumors.

The lawmaker urged community leaders, including quarter heads, religious leaders, teachers, media professionals, and youth, to contribute to public awareness campaigns. He stressed the importance of avoiding stigmatization of patients, recovered individuals, and bereaved families, saying that everyone must play a role in combating Ebola. Makalamba's statement comes amid concerns over the disease's spread in Kisangani.

The situation in Kisangani has been marked by the death of Dr. Victor Kingombe, a healthcare professional involved in the response to the Ebola outbreak. Makalamba's call for vigilance and cooperation comes as the city struggles to contain the disease. The lawmaker's statement was released through a local press agency, the Congolese Press Agency (ACP).

According to reports, 460 frontline personnel have already been vaccinated in one commune as part of efforts to combat the outbreak. The vaccination campaign aims to protect those at high risk of contracting the disease, including healthcare workers. The government has been working to respond to the outbreak, with the Ministry of Health leading the efforts.

The Ebola outbreak in Kisangani has raised concerns about the city's preparedness to handle the disease. The city's healthcare system has faced challenges in responding to previous outbreaks, and there are concerns about the availability of resources, including equipment and personnel. Makalamba's call for government action aims to address some of these concerns.

The situation in Kisangani remains a concern, with the population urged to remain vigilant and take preventive measures. The government has been urged to strengthen its response to the outbreak, including providing support to affected communities and ensuring that healthcare providers have the necessary resources to combat the disease.

Key points

• DR Congo national lawmaker Patrick Matata Makalamba has called on the population to be vigilant and take preventive measures against the Ebola virus in Kisangani.