Protect Uganda-DRC Border Communities from Ebola

Dear Donor,

The geographic expansion of Ebola in the DRC remains one of the most important developments in the current outbreak.

WHO reported that the outbreak had expanded to 62 health zones across seven provinces, with the first confirmed case in Bulu Health Zone in Sud-Ubangi representing the latest geographic expansion.

This expansion demonstrates why preparedness must extend beyond the locations that have historically recorded the highest number of cases.

Development Alert continues supporting community awareness in areas where people may have limited access to reliable health information.

Our approach emphasizes early reporting, hygiene, community surveillance and communication with health authorities. We work through trusted local networks because they can reach households faster and more effectively than centralized communication alone.

We are also attentive to communities along transport routes and areas connected through trade and family movement.

The expansion into new health zones creates additional challenges for surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing, infection prevention and community engagement.

WHO reports that these response pillars are being scaled up across affected areas, while additional resources are being mobilized to sustain operations.

Development Alert's community-level role is to help ensure that people understand what they can do when concerns arise.

We encourage residents to seek professional medical advice, report unusual illness promptly and avoid relying on rumors.

Every new area reached with reliable information represents another opportunity to detect illness early and prevent further transmission.