Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are stepping up Ebola preparedness in Kisangani, where a larger treatment centre is being built to handle any rise in cases.
Footage filmed on Monday shows people arriving at Kisangani 50th Anniversary Hospital, handwashing stations at the entrance, medical staff at work and daily life across the city.
“We must be ready if the situation ever gets out of control,” said Dr Daddy Falay, medical director at the hospital. “That’s why a treatment centre (CTE) is being built next to the Kisangani General Referral Hospital. These centres will have a much larger capacity and will be able to care for a more significant number of patients.”
Health Minister Roger Kamba is reported to have said the new infrastructure should be ready within three weeks, suggesting a target around early August 2026.
Falay said public concern was understandable, but insisted the situation remained under control.
“Fear is natural, but I would say it is more of a scare than actual harm, because measures are in place,” he said. “For the moment, we have the necessary resources.”
He added that the hospital had enough equipment to care for confirmed Ebola patients, partly through support from MSF.
Civil society groups are also urging residents to cooperate with health authorities and remain vigilant, particularly after travelling from affected provinces including Ituri and North Kivu.
“Ebola is a reality. Ebola kills,” said Christian Kambi, president of the New Dynamics of Civil Society. “In order to successfully prevent the spread of Ebola, the population must first be prepared.”
The outbreak was confirmed in the DRC and Uganda in May after laboratory testing identified Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus. The World Health Organisation declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17.
As of July 11, the Ministry of Health had reported 1,926 cases and 702 deaths.
Source: Viory
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