Once an Ebola center is attacked, peacekeepers move to other Ebola centers

On July 16, the UN peacekeeping mission in DR Congo (MONUSCO) deployed a base near the town of Nyakunde, in Ituri Province – allowing ‘blue helmets’ to patrol to better protect hospitals and patients.

The base opened one day after a series of incidents rocked communities in and around Nyakunde.

On July 15, a group of young people vandalized local residents Ebola Treatment Center. The killing of local militia leader Kakani Tondabo led to clashes that resulted in the deaths of five other people.

Since the Congolese government declared the current Ebola outbreak on May 15, National health authorities have reported more than 2,500 cases and more than 1,000 deaths.

At least a dozen facilities have been attackedlargely due to fear, misinformation, and deep societal distrust of outside authorities.

MONUSCO said his presence in Marabo – near Nyakunde – has restored calm and allowed residents who fled the violence to return home.

“The community immediately understood that we were coming to help restore security and protect the Ebola Treatment Center,” said Maj. Atiqur, commander of the new mobile base. “Today, we receive a warm welcome wherever we go.”

Safety is necessary for Ebola treatment

The local center is located next to Nyakunde General Referral Hospital. The capacity is 31 beds.

Dr. Charles Kashindi, the hospital’s medical director, said public awareness campaigns in the region are starting to reduce Ebola cases.

“A few weeks ago, we were seeing six to seven patients a day,” he said. “Today, we only see two or three.”

Local health officials are now calling for MONUSCO’s permanent presence to ensure patient safety while they are being treated.

“Our mission is to restore hope to people who have gone through difficult times,” said the local MONUSCO patrol commander, Captain Ary.

Violence continues in the east

Amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak, conflict between the Congolese armed forces and the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group continues in the eastern region of the country, particularly in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.

UN humanitarian aid office (Ocha) reported that at least 60 civilians have been killed since July 12 along the North Kivu and Ituri borders – the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak.

On Thursday, 30 people died near the town of Mambasa.

According to UN humanitarian partners, 25,000 refugees have recently arrived in the North Kivu city of Beni, taking refuge in the homes of vulnerable families or in abandoned buildings.

OCHA on Friday warned that recent Ebola cases in Kisangani have raised concerns that the virus will soon spread through the Congo River, to other regions of Congo.

The UN and its partners are currently preparing for the possibility of further deployment in the region by establishing infection prevention and control protocols, expanding care centers, and preparing safe burials.

“The UN reiterates its call to protect civilians and provide safe and sustainable humanitarian access to people affected by violence and the Ebola outbreak,” the aid coordinating body said.