Protect Uganda-DRC Border Communities from Ebola

Dear Donor,

The Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to require urgent and sustained action. The latest ECDC situation update reports 7,200 confirmed cases and 3,475 deaths as of 12 September 2026, with 923 patients hospitalized in isolation. The scale of the outbreak demonstrates why early detection and community-based surveillance remain essential.

Development Alert continues strengthening preparedness at community level by encouraging people to report unusual illness quickly and seek appropriate medical attention rather than waiting for symptoms to become severe. Our community-based approach complements formal surveillance systems by ensuring that health concerns can be communicated quickly from villages, schools, markets, transport points and households to appropriate health authorities.

We are engaging community leaders, volunteers, teachers, women, youth, boda boda riders, traders and other trusted groups who can recognize concerns and help connect families with health services.

Our awareness activities emphasize that community members should not attempt to diagnose Ebola themselves. Instead, they should understand the importance of promptly reporting suspected cases and following guidance from trained health professionals.

We are also working to reduce misinformation. During outbreaks, rumors can spread faster than reliable information and may cause fear, stigma or dangerous delays in seeking care. Trusted community voices therefore remain an important part of preparedness.

The continuing expansion of Ebola in the DRC makes these efforts particularly important. WHO reports that transmission has expanded to 61 health zones, while recent reporting indicates a new affected province in western DRC.

For Development Alert, preparedness means ensuring that communities are not passive recipients of emergency information. They are active partners in protecting families and identifying risks early.