Twenty-seven demobilised former combatants have been deployed as community mobilisers in the Tchomia locality of Ituri Province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to promote behaviour that prevents Ebola transmission.
The fighters-turned-mobilisers, who received training on prevention measures and detection of suspect cases, have been sent to heavily frequented areas including the central market, the town centre, and an animal feed production site. They have emphasised the importance of regular handwashing, shared information on how to identify symptoms, and stressed the need to promptly report suspect cases to health authorities.
The current Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo species for which there is no approved vaccine, has killed 2,000 people across the country and is on track to become the deadliest epidemic in DRC history, according to the latest information. The outbreak is spreading quickly, hampered by conflict, poor roads, and lack of access to healthcare, and has recently reached a sixth province. Media reports indicate it is threatening to spread to neighbouring South Sudan.
A MONUSCO representative said the project serves a dual purpose of responding to the public health emergency and contributing to stabilisation efforts by strengthening community cohesion. According to Florent Nzama, the coordinator of a local NGO network, the initiative aims to make former combatants and community members active participants in the fight against Ebola.