New Ebola Treatment Center in Beni enhances patient care and safety

Beni, in the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has inaugurated a new Ebola Treatment Center (CTE) aimed at bolstering the local health response to the virus. The state-of-the-art facility includes a 20-bed isolation unit and a robust biosecurity system designed to neutralize any risk of cross-contamination. Three patients are already receiving care within the center, which was established to strengthen the fight against Ebola.

Upon entering the CTE, all individuals, including visitors and healthcare workers, must adhere to a strict sanitary protocol. This involves mandatory hand washing and systematic temperature checks. The center's design emphasizes a unidirectional clinical flow, dividing the facility into two distinct zones to prevent the virus from spreading. Dr. Jérémie Muhindo, head of the Ebola response commission in Beni, explained the strategic sectorization: "The high-risk zone is where the patients are. It is also where all waste is managed. Waste from here is managed internally because it is very dangerous."

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The high-risk zone is where the patients are. It is also where all waste is managed. Waste from here is managed internally because it is very dangerous.

A critical aspect of the new center is the strict separation of patients based on their viral status. To prevent individuals with other illnesses from contracting Ebola within the facility, the 20 beds are divided into two autonomous blocks. Ten beds are designated for suspected cases, while the other ten are for confirmed Ebola patients. The operationalization of this new center marks a significant advancement in the region's capacity to manage and treat Ebola cases, providing a more secure environment for both patients and healthcare providers.

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The first block, with a capacity of ten beds, is reserved for suspect patients. The second block, also ten beds, accommodates confirmed Ebola patients.