Ituri: Lack of drinking water raises Ebola fears

Civil society actors in the Mambasa territory of Ituri province have raised alarms over a critical shortage of safe drinking water, warning it jeopardizes the ongoing fight against the Ebola epidemic.

The scarcity of potable water is making it increasingly difficult for residents in several villages to adhere to essential hygiene measures. Some inhabitants spend hours at wells, while others travel considerable distances to collect water from streams. This situation severely complicates the implementation of recommended hygiene practices during the health crisis.

Community leaders report that handwashing facilities, vital for preventing the transmission of the Ebola virus, are virtually nonexistent in numerous areas, including Biakato, Nduye, Mandima, and Lolwa. They fear this deficiency will accelerate the spread of the disease within communities.

These actors are urging authorities and response teams to establish more public handwashing stations to bolster preventive measures. They are also advocating for the repair of existing water sources that are no longer functional. According to a public health emergency operations center report dated July 26, the Mambasa territory has already registered 120 confirmed Ebola cases, resulting in approximately 61 deaths.