Witnessing joy amid the death: BBC travels to epicentre of Ebola outbreak
Witnessing joy amid the death: BBC travels to epicentre of Ebola outbreak
Witnessing joy amid the death - In the heart of a region ravaged by the Ebola virus, a scene of celebration unfolded at a hospital in the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The joyous moment came as a 49-year-old man, Daniel Kitambala, exited the treatment center after a successful recovery. Surrounded by healthcare workers in green scrubs, he was cheered on as they sang hymns of gratitude, declaring, "Grace has been shown to us; grace has been shown to patients." Two negative tests confirmed his virus-free status after three weeks of isolation.
Kitambala, a devout Christian, shared his relief with the BBC. "That disease is terrible. I was feeling very ill when I came here. But God is great—I am well now," he said, his voice filled with emotion as the staff clapped in approval. Clad in a black T-shirt and trousers, he carried a polythene bag with his sterilized belongings, his smile a testament to hope in the face of tragedy.
Local myths and the fight for trust
More than 140 deaths have been linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in Ituri province, the epicenter of this recent outbreak. Though the virus has claimed around one in five of its known victims, its spread may have gone unnoticed for months. Health officials are now working to combat misinformation that has fueled fear and resistance.
"See… I recovered," said Kitambala, raising his hands in a triumphant gesture. "People should seek treatment when they fall ill," he added, turning to acknowledge the medics behind him.
Dr. Richard Lukodu, the hospital’s medical director, noted the shift in community attitudes. "More people are coming here now seeking treatment," he observed, highlighting the importance of the first recovery in rebuilding confidence. Yet, the journey to trust has been challenging. The hospital has faced attacks tied to local beliefs, including the "coffin curse" theory.
Mongbwalu’s mayor, Sesereki Mandro Israel, explained how the myth began. In early February, a family transported a body from Bunia for burial, but the coffin broke during the trip. The man was buried, and the fractured coffin burned, sparking rumors that the disease was a punishment for burning the coffin. "People were dying daily—seven, eight or even 10 every day," he said, describing the crisis.
Health workers now grapple with these misconceptions. "The people here had been misled to believe Ebola ended during previous outbreaks after they burned treatment centers," Lukodu explained. This belief was reinforced during the 2018-2020 epidemic in North Kivu, where facilities were attacked and set ablaze multiple times. The current outbreak, declared just over a month ago, has seen similar tensions, with misinformation lingering since February.
Kitambala’s recovery symbolizes progress. "We have seen a huge difference in the community since the first patient returned home," Lukodu said. Yet, the battle to contain the virus continues, as residents like the 55-year-old pastor Deogratias Kasereka, who left the center a week ago, serve as living proof of resilience. Their stories are critical in turning fear into faith, one step at a time.