Ebola: Civil Society Calls for Urgent Response and Prevention in North Kivu

Civil society organizations in Beni, Lubero, Butembo, and Goma, located in North Kivu province, have issued a joint appeal to provincial and national authorities. They are demanding the urgent deployment of resources to combat and prevent the spread of the Ebola epidemic, which has seen cases reported in the neighboring Ituri province.

In a declaration made public on Thursday, May 21, these citizen groups also implored the population to avoid misinformation. They expressed deep regret over the absence of adequate prevention and treatment facilities in numerous areas within the Grand Nord-Kivu region. Richard Kirimba, vice-president of the civil society in the Beni territory, stated, "As cases are already reported in North Kivu province, originating from Ituri, the entities of Beni, Butembo, Lubero, and Goma are largely exposed, especially given the regular, rapid, and permanent traffic between Goma, Butembo, Beni, Ituri, and even Uganda. It is regrettable to note that, despite this crisis and emergency context, as of May 22, 2026, there is neither a treatment facility nor a prevention device in the public places of Grand Nord-Kivu."

The civil society activists further lamented the lack of appropriate resources within health structures. They also denounced the delays in publishing the results of collected samples, particularly as deaths have been recorded among suspected cases in the Grand Nord-Kivu region. This situation, they warned, places the entire population at risk, especially healthcare providers.

The groups are calling for immediate action to bolster response and prevention measures, highlighting the vulnerability of the region due to its porous borders and constant movement of people with neighboring areas, including Uganda. The lack of basic preventive infrastructure in public spaces and inadequate healthcare facilities are critical concerns that require urgent attention from the government.

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As cases are already reported in North Kivu province, originating from Ituri, the entities of Beni, Butembo, Lubero, and Goma are largely exposed, especially given the regular, rapid, and permanent traffic between Goma, Butembo, Beni, Ituri, and even Uganda. It is regrettable to note that, despite this crisis and emergency context, as of May 22, 2026, there is neither a treatment facility nor a prevention device in the public places of Grand Nord-Kivu.