Misinformation and the lingering shadow of ‘Ebola business’

This 17th Ebola outbreak emerges against a backdrop of persistent insecurity that fuels skepticism and false narratives. In Butembo and Beni—two cities in North Kivu—residents bear deep scars from the 2018-2020 epidemic. Grief over lost loved ones, information gaps, and restrictions on patient visits have severely eroded trust in the medical response.

In 2019, tensions escalated to the point of partial arson at a treatment center (CTE), forcing MSF to temporarily halt operations in the area.

« Some advised me not to go to the health center, claiming doctors would make my husband sick », shares Elise*, who is caring for her husband after he tested positive.

In a region where humanitarian aid is scarce, the return of medical teams stirs old fears. « Rumors spread across all social layers », observes Dr. Pablo Paluku Lwanzo, head physician for Butembo’s health zone. « Some deny the disease’s existence or accuse us of poisoning. »

This misinformation is compounded by memories of the ‘Ebola business’ phenomenon documented during past crises—marked by financial irregularities and abuses, including gender-based violence. These past events continue to undermine the safety of humanitarian workers on the ground.

The virus advances at an unprecedented pace

As of July 13, 2026, Butembo and Beni reported 122 and 31 confirmed cases, resulting in 77 and 20 deaths, respectively. « These numbers likely underrepresent the true situation », warns Hugo Soubrier, MSF epidemiologist in North Kivu. « Patients arrive at advanced stages, which explains the high mortality rate. Nearly half of those infected had contact with unidentified cases. »

A new isolation center prioritizes family connections

Denise’s sister was admitted to the new isolation center in Butembo, opened in early July by MSF. Daily, Denise and her relatives can visit her through a glass partition. « It reassures me to see her », she shares. « The isolation concept prevents transmission while allowing families to maintain contact with patients », explains Delmas Kalemba, MSF’s logistics coordinator.

In Butembo, teams repurposed a building from the general referral hospital to create a 35-bed CTE.

Putting communities at the heart of the fight

To curb the virus’s spread—which has now reached Tshopo and Haut-Uélé provinces—and rebuild trust, MSF is directly engaging local residents. « They possess firsthand Ebola experience and intimate knowledge of the terrain », notes Margot Grelet, MSF project coordinator in Butembo. « Our role is to provide medical expertise, equipment, and treatments. »

Teams regularly meet with community and religious leaders to align interventions. The priority is convincing residents to seek care at the first sign of symptoms to improve recovery chances.

Community relays amplify prevention messages

In Beni, 50 km from Butembo, a similar participatory approach is in place. « We rely on group leaders, opinion influencers, and civil society to disseminate prevention messages », explains Delphine Ferry, health promotion coordinator. « On the ground, 150 community relays trained by MSF address families’ practical questions about Bundibugyo virus and treatment centers. »

Bringing care closer and easing patient fears

This commitment to proximity manifests in concrete operational choices. In addition to a 26-bed care center nearing completion near Beni’s referral hospital, MSF supports two local health centers by providing free primary care.

Twelve observation rooms have been set up in Kanzulinzuli and Malepe health areas, with eleven more under construction in Madrandele and Kasabinyole. These spaces safely isolate and treat suspected cases while maintaining essential visual and social connections with loved ones.

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of interviewees.