Misinformation and the shadow of ‘Ebola business’

This 17th Ebola outbreak emerges against a backdrop of persistent insecurity, fueling distrust and false narratives. In Butembo and Beni, within North Kivu province in eastern DRC, communities still bear deep scars from the 2018-2020 epidemic. The trauma of losing loved ones, limited access to accurate information, and restricted hospital visits have eroded confidence in medical responses.  

In 2019, tensions escalated to the point of partial arson at a treatment center (CTE), forcing Doctors Without Borders to temporarily halt operations in the area.  

« Some advised me not to go to the health center, claiming doctors would make my husband sick », shares Elise*, whose husband tested positive for Ebola.  

In a region where humanitarian aid remains scarce, the return of medical teams revives old fears. « Rumors spread rapidly through every layer of society », notes Dr. Pablo Paluku Lwanzo, Butembo health zone chief. « Some deny the disease’s existence or accuse us of poisoning. » 

Alongside misinformation looms the specter of the so-called ‘Ebola business’, documented in past crises, marked by financial exploitation and abuse—including gender-based violence. These dark memories continue to undermine the safety of humanitarian workers on the ground.

Ebola spreads faster than ever before

By July 13, 2026, Butembo and Beni had recorded 122 and 31 confirmed cases, respectively, with 77 and 20 deaths. « These numbers likely underestimate the true scale », warns Hugo Soubrier, MSF epidemiologist in North Kivu.  

« Patients often arrive at advanced stages, which explains the high mortality rate. Nearly half of infected individuals have had contact with unidentified cases. »

A new isolation center gives families hope

Denise’s sister was admitted to the new isolation center in Butembo, opened by Doctors Without Borders in early July. Daily, Denise and her family can visit her through a protective glass barrier. « It reassures me to see her », she says.  

« The goal of isolation is to contain the virus while allowing families to support patients », explains Delmas Kalemba, MSF logistics coordinator. In Butembo, teams repurposed a general hospital building into a 35-bed Ebola Treatment Center.  

Putting communities at the heart of the response

To curb the virus’s advance—now threatening Tshopo and Haut-Uélé provinces—and rebuild trust, MSF is placing residents at the center of its strategy. « They know Ebola and understand the terrain », says Margot Grelet, Butembo project leader. « Our role is to provide medical expertise, equipment, and treatments. » 

Teams regularly meet with community and religious leaders to tailor interventions. The priority is convincing people to seek care at the first sign of symptoms to improve survival chances.

Community leaders drive prevention messages in Beni

Just 50 km from Butembo, Beni adopts the same participatory approach. « We rely on group leaders, opinion influencers, and civil society to share prevention messages », says Delphine Ferry, health promotion coordinator.  

On the ground, 150 trained community relay workers answer families’ practical questions about Bundibugyo virus and treatment centers.  

Bringing care closer to patients and easing fears

This commitment to proximity is reflected in tangible operational choices. In addition to a 26-bed care center nearing completion near Beni’s reference hospital, MSF supports two local health centers by offering free primary care.  

Twelve observation rooms have been set up in Kanzulinzuli and Malepe health areas, with eleven more under construction in Madrandele and Kasabinyole. These spaces safely isolate and treat suspected cases while maintaining vital visual and social connections with loved ones.  

*Names changed to protect identities.