Thwart Ebola: DRC University Prevention

Ebola prevention begins with trust. In communities where fear, misinformation, and mistrust can prevent people from seeking care or following public health guidance, trusted local voices can make a life-saving difference. Our project, Thwart Ebola: DRC University Prevention, will mobilize university students and local health educators to support community-based Ebola prevention in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The project will focus on practical measures that families and communities can understand and apply: proper handwashing, hygiene and infection prevention, early reporting of suspected cases, and safe burial practices. By working through people who speak the local language and understand the realities of their communities, we aim to make accurate health information easier to trust and act upon.

The project is currently in its preparation and mobilization phase. We are identifying qualified trainers and learners who will take part in the upcoming activities and preparing the community-based approach that will guide the intervention. No project funds have been raised yet, and our fundraising target is US$50,000. These resources will support training, community outreach, prevention materials, hygiene activities, and the basic operational needs required to bring the project to the communities that need it. Our collaboration with GlobalGiving is an important step in connecting this local initiative with donors around the world and helping us mobilize the resources needed to begin implementation.

The impact we hope to create is simple but vital: communities that have the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools to protect themselves and respond quickly to health threats. We know that a prevention project cannot succeed through outside intervention alone. It must be built with communities, through trusted local people, and with sustained support. We are deeply grateful to GlobalGiving for helping us bring this initiative to a wider community of international supporters. To our donors, partners, and everyone who believes that local action can save lives: thank you. We invite you to stand with these communities by supporting this project and helping us reach our US$50,000 goal. Every contribution can help us move from preparation to action and bring life-saving prevention closer to the people who need it most.