Authorities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have launched an urgent search for a six-year-old Ebola patient and her mother, following an alarming incident where armed men stormed the Wanamahika Hospital in Butembo. Dr Lubambo Maboko Gaston, a local health official, confirmed that the child was forcibly removed from the facility by "very angry" individuals wielding knives.
The motivation behind the abduction remains unclear, including whether the men were known to the child. However, this event underscores a disturbing trend of suspicion and fear that has plagued Ebola treatment centres throughout the current outbreak. Such facilities have repeatedly come under attack, fuelled by a deep-seated distrust and misinformation within some communities.
Just days before this latest incident, crowds in Rwampara, a town approximately 85km south-east of Mongbwalu, reportedly set fire to isolation tents at a hospital. This occurred after locals were prevented from retrieving the body of a man suspected to have died from Ebola. The handling of deceased Ebola victims is a critical concern, as bodies are highly infectious and can significantly contribute to the virus's spread if not managed according to strict protocols.
Local politician Luc Malembe Malembe previously told the BBC that a segment of the population, particularly in remote areas, perceives Ebola as an "invention by outsiders." He noted that some believe non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and hospitals are fabricating the crisis for financial gain, a tragic misunderstanding that hinders containment efforts. The current outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo species of Ebola, has recorded almost 200 deaths and 840 confirmed cases.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has indicated that a vaccine for the Bundibugyo species could take months to develop, further complicating the response. Cases are predominantly concentrated in the provinces of Ituri, South Kivu, and North Kivu, with Ituri identified as the primary centre of transmission. Dr Gaston has issued a plea for the child and her mother to seek medical attention, warning that their health could worsen, and they risk infecting relatives.
Source: Reuters, BBC