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Low community ownership in the fight against Ebola in Bulape despite 16 deaths
Published on Mon, 09/22/2025 - 06:13 | Modified on Mon, 09/22/2025 - 06:29
Despite the official declaration of the Ebola epidemic on September 5 in the Bulape health zone, in Kasai province, the populations of 14 localities in this zone seem not to perceive the gravity of the situation and do not fully take ownership of the fight against this deadly disease, in particular the preventive measures, report concordant sources.
While the epidemic has already caused at least 16 deaths, many residents are not respecting barrier gestures. They continue to greet each other by hand, to gather without respecting social distancing, and to use public transport in close quarters, particularly on motorcycle taxis.
Some drivers blame this situation on the customers, who ride together on the motorcycles, despite the risk of contamination.
" It's the fault of our customers who come in groups of four. It's a danger for them ," said a motorcycle taxi driver stopped on the public highway with three passengers.
In this context, Dr. Jean-Pierre Sumba, in charge of disease control within the Kasai-Oriental Provincial Health Division, calls on the population to demonstrate responsibility in order to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus: "This disease is transmitted through contact with a sick person or even with sick animals. People showing signs of the disease should not be touched, nor should their clothing, nor their remains. But what people must do is wash their hands regularly."
The Ebola epidemic is currently affecting 14 communities in the Bulape health zone, Mweka territory, in Kasai province. The government recently launched a vaccination campaign to protect the population.
A few days ago, two Ebola patients treated at the Bulape treatment center were declared cured and were able to join their families.
https://www.radiookapi.net/2025/09/...mmunautaire-dans-la-lutte-contre-ebola-bulape
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Mweka: Classes resume after suspension due to Ebola outbreak
Monday, September 22, 2025 - 09:41
The resumption of school activities in the Mweka territory (Kasai province) is now effective since Monday, September 22. This, after several weeks of suspension linked to the Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic.
The confirmation was given this morning by Mike Alfred Kakunda, spokesperson for the multi-sectoral committee for the response to EVD, who expressed satisfaction with the gradual compliance with the preventive measures put in place.
"Schools in Mweka have resumed classes this morning. Handwashing stations have been installed at the entrances to almost all schools. However, the issue of overcrowded classes remains unresolved to this day," he said.
The decision to resume classes was ratified last Friday, during a meeting held in Bulape, between members of the multi-sectoral committee and officials from the Kasaï 2 educational province. The green light was given after an assessment of the epidemiological situation, which was deemed "relatively stable," allowing for a supervised return to school.
Among the measures announced are the widespread installation of handwashing facilities, the splitting of classes too large to maintain social distancing, regular health briefings for teachers and the establishment of a data collection center within the provincial EDU-NC directorate to monitor the evolution of the situation in schools.
A meeting with UNICEF is also scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, to further discuss the issue of managing overcrowded classes and strengthen logistical support in schools. Keita Mory, a WHO expert based in Bulape, welcomed the gradual return of students to class, while reiterating the need to maintain constant health vigilance.
Local authorities, school heads, and educational partners are called upon to redouble their efforts to ensure a safe return to school, in strict compliance with the measures in place. The monitoring system in place will be regularly evaluated, with possible adjustments depending on the evolving situation on the ground.
Michel Cyala
https://actualite.cd/index.php/2025...rs-apres-une-suspension-liee-lepidemie-debola