The Wasaidizi community health volunteers in Democratic Republic of Congo

As news of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to spread, some of you may be wondering about how it is affecting our partner sites in the DRC. The short answer is encouraging – our partner sites remain unaffected at this time. But there is more to the story.

The current Ebola outbreak is centered in the northeastern region of the DRC, roughly 1,300 miles away from HealthEd Connect partner communities, which are in the southernmost part of the country, in Katanga province (#20 on the map below).

HealthEd Connect sites in both DRC and Zambia are located within the shaded circle near Province #20

As of 3 June 2026, there are no known cases of the Ebola virus in the Katanga province. Despite the absence of cases, preparedness and education remain essential to preventing the spread of Ebola. Proactive efforts help ensure communities are ready to respond quickly if the situation changes.

Misinformation about Ebola remains a significant concern. It is critical to help community members:

Understand what Ebola is and how it spreads
Distinguish facts from rumors or myths
Take appropriate preventative measures based on accurate information

Nathalie Lenge, Wasaidizi volunteer in DRC

This is where our community health volunteers can play a critical role. According to Nathalie Lenge, a Wasaidizi community health volunteer in DRC, the Wasaidizi have been involved in awareness campaigns in their areas. She states that in the DRC there are awareness campaigns in every community and the Wasaidizi are involved in educating people in their communities.

The spread of the Ebola virus is not confined by national boundaries, placing countries bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on high alert. Katanga Province in the DRC shares a border with Zambia, and it is near these border areas that the Zambian Kafwa community health volunteers are actively serving.

Emmanuel Mumba, HealthEd Connect Zambia Programs Coordinator, contacted the District Health Office of Zambia’s Ministry of Health to understand the approach that the Zambian government is taking. The Ministry is currently conducting awareness programs for frontline workers to strengthen prevention measures and ensure early identification of any suspected cases in the event of an outbreak. Additionally, strict measures have been implemented at most of Zambia’s border entry points, where thorough screening procedures are being conducted. So far, the country has not recorded any Ebola cases.

Albertina Mubanga, registered nurse in Chingola, Zambia

According to Albertina Mubanga, a registered nurse and Kafwa volunteer in Chingola, which is near a border crossing, the Kafwa volunteers in Chingola have received training and are ready to begin their own awareness campaigns in the Kasompe community in Chingola.

HealthEd Connect has established a WhatsApp discussion group that connects all our community health volunteer contacts and nurses in the three African countries we are located - DRC, Zambia and Malawi. This platform enables the rapid sharing of critical health information among our health partners, including updates on the Ebola virus. It also enables real-time communication from the field, ensuring everyone stays informed.

Beyond the information exchange, the group also serves as a space to offer encouragement and moral support as volunteers across the three countries express their gratitude and recognition for the important work being carried out in their communities.

While the current outbreak has not reached HealthEd Connect partner sites directly, the situation underscores a vital truth: preparedness saves lives. Thanks to dedicated volunteers providing leadership and education in their communities, community members will be better equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to stay healthy and safe.

For more information on the Ebola virus and the current situation, visit the WHO’s official website: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ebola-disease

Ebola Outbreak Update from HealthEd Connect