Joy Amid Tragedy at Ebola Treatment Centre
It is unusual to witness singing and dancing in a location marked by extensive loss of life, yet the successful treatment of an Ebola patient has become a moment of celebration at a hospital in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Just after midday on Friday, approximately a dozen healthcare workers clad in green scrubs sang songs of praise –
"grace has been shown to us; grace has been shown to patients"– as they accompanied Daniel Kitambala out of the clinic.
Two negative Ebola tests confirmed he was free of the virus after spending about three weeks at the facility.
"That disease is terrible. I was feeling very ill [when I came here]. But God is great, I am well now,"Kitambala, a devout Christian, told the BBC while the medical staff continued to cheer.
The 49-year-old, dressed in a black T-shirt and trousers and carrying a black polythene bag containing his sterilised belongings, was visibly joyful and relieved as he walked between two lines of orange netting marking the path out of the treatment centre.
Outbreak Overview and Challenges
More than 140 people have been confirmed dead from the rare Bundibugyo species of Ebola in Ituri province, the epicentre of the current outbreak first declared just over a month ago.
However, this virus, which has a fatality rate of approximately 20%, may have been spreading undetected for months. Authorities are actively working to control infections.
Part of the challenge involves overcoming local myths, including beliefs that the disease results from what is locally known as the "coffin curse" and that treatment centres are harmful rather than beneficial.
Nonetheless, survival is possible, and the celebrations at the Ebola treatment centre in Mongbwalu exemplify this.
"See… I recovered,"the subsistence farmer said, raising his hands three times in a victory salute and in praise of God.
"People should seek treatment when they fall ill,"he added, turning to thank the healthcare workers behind him who were applauding.
Infection and Treatment Journey
Reflecting on his infection, Kitambala explained that he had visited a community member who was unwell to pray for him. Shortly thereafter, he became ill himself.
The virus transmits through contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood or vomit.
Initially, like many in DR Congo, Kitambala tried traditional medicine, but as his condition worsened, he sought hospital care.
"We have seen a huge difference in the community since the first patient recovered and returned home,"said Dr Richard Lukodu, medical director of Mongbwalu hospital.
"More people are coming here now seeking treatment."
Fifty-five-year-old pastor Deogratias Kasereka was the first Ebola patient to be discharged from the centre a week prior.
Lukodu expressed optimism that recoveries will help build trust in the healthcare system, which has faced violence linked to misinformation.
On 21 May, a tent designated for Ebola patients on the hospital grounds was set on fire.
Rumours about medical practices had circulated since February – three months before the outbreak was officially confirmed – when unusual illness-related deaths began to rise.
"The people here had been misled to believe that Ebola ended during previous outbreaks after they burned down the treatment centres,"Lukodu said.
During the 2018-2020 outbreak in neighbouring North Kivu province, Ebola treatment centres were attacked and set ablaze multiple times.
Community Myths and Impact
These are among several rumours circulating since the onset of deaths from the disease, according to Mongbwalu's mayor, Sesereki Mandro Israel.
Seated in his blue office in the town centre, which lacks paved roads, he recounted an incident in early February that appeared to trigger a surge in infections.
"There was a time a family was bringing a body from Bunia for burial here,"the mayor said, referring to the provincial capital about two and a half hours away by road.
"But the coffin broke on the way here. The man was buried and the broken coffin burnt."
This event led to what became known locally as "the coffin curse." The deaths were attributed to the act of burning the coffin.
"The situation was bad. Many people died,"he said.
"People were dying daily – seven, eight or even 10 people every day."
However, conditions are gradually improving.
Initial tests on suspected cases were negative as investigators searched for other common Ebola species rather than Bundibugyo.
"We called community leaders to explain the symptoms and encouraged them to refer people with signs of the illness to the treatment centres."
Two weeks ago, the Mongbwalu hospital acquired a laboratory capable of returning test results within a day. Previously, results took over a week from the nearest testing laboratory in Bunia.
Healthcare Workers and Safety Measures
Healthcare workers are among the highest risk groups during Ebola outbreaks, and this outbreak is no exception.
"Five health workers have died here and several more who are infected, they are admitted here,"Lukodu reported.
However, improved infection prevention practices have been implemented since the outbreak was declared, reducing transmission risk.
Situation in Rwampara and Patient Care
A similar situation exists in Rwampara, another town central to this outbreak.
A treatment centre there was set on fire two days after the one in Mongbwalu but has since reopened.
Late afternoon is visiting time for families to see their loved ones. A wife and her sister wait anxiously as the doctor examines the husband; apprehension is evident.
Inside, strict protocols ensure patients do not have close contact with hospital workers or visitors.
Patients with severe illness occupy individual cubicles, accessible only to medical teams wearing full protective equipment.
There is an open space accessible to patients, but visitors are separated by a barrier approximately two metres wide.
Other areas feature large glass screens and curtains allowing safe visibility of patients.
"I feel very happy. I'm looking forward to going back home,"said Mireille Gahindo, speaking from behind the glass after two weeks in care.
She had taken her 11-month-old child to a local hospital after he developed fever and diarrhoea. Despite treatment, his condition did not improve over two weeks.
When he began bleeding from the mouth, she brought him to the treatment centre and subsequently tested positive herself. Both mother and child are now recovering.
She eagerly anticipates reuniting with her two older children, aged five and two and a half, and her husband upon discharge.
"If it was any other infection, I would have discharged her,"her doctor explained.
"But with Ebola, each patient has to be tested twice and obtain negative results before being allowed to go home."
Community Impact and Ongoing Efforts
At the treatment centre entrance, Eli Asimwe Bawere shared that he had come to visit his older sister and brother. His stepmother was also admitted.
"We have already lost our mother and sister-in-law who was married to my brother who is here. We have mourned a lot. We don't want to mourn any more,"he told the BBC.
Many individuals in Ituri know someone who has died from suspected Ebola. Videos and photographs circulate on social media depicting affected families.
Amid the despair and fatalities, each Ebola patient recovery provides crucial hope to the community and healthcare workers that the outbreak can be contained.
However, significant work remains. To halt virus transmission, all contacts of infected individuals must be traced and monitored for infection.
Health officials warn that many contacts remain unidentified, and until they are located, optimism may be premature.
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