Protect Uganda-DRC Border Communities from Ebola

Dear Donor,

Clean water, handwashing and good hygiene remain important elements of community protection during infectious-disease emergencies.

With 7,475 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,605 deaths recorded in the DRC by 16 September, strengthening practical prevention measures remains essential.

Development Alert continues integrating WASH awareness into community health preparedness.

We encourage schools, households, markets and public gathering places to maintain functional handwashing facilities and promote regular hand hygiene.

Our approach is intentionally practical. Communities are encouraged to make hygiene part of daily life rather than treating it as a temporary activity that only matters during an outbreak.

Schools are particularly important. Teachers can reinforce hygiene habits among children, while students can carry those lessons into their homes.

Markets and transport stages also require attention because they bring together people from different communities.

We engage local leaders and community volunteers to encourage the maintenance and use of handwashing facilities and to promote accurate health information.

These measures have benefits beyond Ebola. Strong hygiene practices can help reduce other infectious diseases and improve general community health.

Development Alert's broader clean-water experience also reinforces the importance of linking emergency preparedness with sustainable WASH improvements.

WHO continues to identify infection prevention and control and community engagement as key components of the Ebola response.

Every community that has reliable hygiene information and practical handwashing facilities is better prepared for today's outbreak and tomorrow's health challenges.