Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
People Helped
Humanitarian Needs
An outbreak of a deadly strain of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is outpacing containment efforts, with cases and deaths continuing to rise as the virus spreads across multiple provinces and into neighbouring Uganda. Families and communities urgently need access to lifesaving public health support including reliable health information, safe burials and support for infection prevention and control.
Humanitarian Response
Oxfam has been working in the DRC since 1961, delivering both humanitarian and long-term development programming. World Vision DRC has been operating in the country since 1984, implementing humanitarian and emergency programs.
Oxfam-Québec's response will provide communities and informal healthcare workers with information about Ebola prevention, including guidance on safe burials, treatment centres and how to report suspected cases and access care. The project will also include community-based protection activities to mitigate risks and reduce stigma. Further, Oxfam will deliver clean water and essential supplies to health centres.
World Vision Canada's project aims to help identify suspected cases of Ebola early and safely refer people for care in order to break the chain of infection. The response will also help limit the spread of the virus by raising awareness about preventative measures, providing contactless thermometers, and distributing handwashing kits and personal protective equipment like masks and gloves for health facilities and high-traffic areas like markets, schools and churches.
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