Safety fears limit Ebola response in Congo, with more than 12 attacks recorded

July 18, 2026 - 19:59

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo report that safety concerns are severely limiting the response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Ituri province. According to local health officials, at least 12 separate attacks have been recorded against health facilities and medical workers since the outbreak was declared. The violence, often carried out by armed groups operating in the region, has forced several treatment centers to scale back operations or shut down entirely.

The attacks range from direct assaults on clinics to ambushes on response teams traveling between affected villages. In some cases, workers have been threatened or kidnapped, while equipment and supplies have been looted or destroyed. This security vacuum has created dangerous gaps in surveillance and patient care. Health experts warn that every attack reduces the ability to trace contacts, isolate suspected cases, and safely bury the dead, all critical steps to stopping the virus.

The situation is particularly dire in remote areas where distrust of outsiders runs high. Community resistance, fueled by misinformation and long-standing grievances, has also made it difficult for teams to gain access. While international organizations have called for safe corridors and better protection for medical staff, the reality on the ground remains volatile. Without a significant improvement in security, the outbreak risks spreading beyond current containment zones, threatening a wider public health crisis.