Church leaders fight misinformation in DRC Ebola outbreak

Faith leaders within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have spoken with concern in regards to the escalating Ebola crisis within the country.

An outbreak was officially declared on 15 May, with the World Health Organisation declaring it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) two days later. So far it’s estimated that around 250 people have been killed by the disease, with the variety of suspected cases rising to over 1,000.

Speaking to help agency Tearfund, Reverend Pastor JarieKong’A Munguromo Penuel, from the Africa Inland Church in Bunia, eastern DRC, said, “We are afraid lately due to the deaths attributable to the Ebola epidemic. Before, we buried only a few people, and now we bury many individuals each day. This situation may be very serious.”

The outbreak has compounded the already difficult situation within the country, which has been wracked by civil conflict between government forces, the allegedly Rwanda-backed M23 militant group and Islamist militants.

Affected areas include North Kivu and Goma, which have also been the scenes of fierce conflict and militant activity. The World Council of Churches recently called for an end to hostilities to take care of the outbreak and asked church leaders to do all they will to combat misinformation.

Pastor Penuel said, “Churches are using posters … and most of the people are coming to us for advice. We use disinfectants and wear face coverings or masks. We tell them to maintain their distance, to not crowd together, and we also tell them to maintain washing their hands.”

Tearfund is working with faith leaders to share best practice in prevention, safety and hygiene.

Poppy Anguandia, Tearfund’s Country Director for the DRC said, “Community acceptance and mistrust are major issues, that are resulting in incidents of violence.

“Engaging faith leaders is now a critical a part of risk communication and tackling misinformation.

“It’s exactly why we’re working with them. By partnering with over 500 faith leaders in numerous districts, hundreds of individuals will hear these prevention messages that might help save their lives and the lives of their family members.”