“Although the reasons behind the attack are unclear and such violence is unacceptable, what we know is that organisations involved in the Ebola response – MSF included – have failed to gain the trust of a significant part of the population,” said Meinie Nicolai, MSF’s General Director, who is currently visiting North Kivu. “All those involved in this response must change their approach and truly engage with the grievances and fears of the communities.”

Previous Ebola outbreaks have demonstrated the importance of gaining the acceptance of the community. Without the communities’ trust, the sick and dead remain hidden and health workers risk being threatened or assailed.

More than six months after the beginning of the Ebola outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, the epidemic is not under control with more than 870 confirmed patients and more than 540 deaths. After some successes in stopping transmission in the initial epicentres of Mangina and Beni, and some ancillary locations such as Tchomia, Mutwanga, and Masereka, the epidemic has spread from 4 to 19 health zones. People continue to die in the community, become infected in health centres, and the majority of new cases cannot be related to known Ebola cases.

MSF activities in the Ebola outbreak response continue in Butembo, Bunia, Bwena Sura, Kayna and Biena.