DR Congo – A nurse has been killed and another health worker seriously injured in an attack on Ebola responders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), prompting condemnation from senior World Health Organisation officials.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the attack occurred on Saturday in Bafwasende, Tshopo Province, in eastern DRC, as health workers responded to an Ebola alert.
In a post on X on Sunday, Tedros expressed condolences to the deceased nurse’s family, friends and colleagues and wished the injured worker a full recovery. “Everyone working to protect communities from this deadly disease must be able to work in dignity and safety. Healthcare must always be protected,” he said.
WHO Regional Director for Africa Mohamed Janabi also condemned the incident, warning that fear and misinformation must not fuel violence against health workers. “Health is not a target,” Janabi said. “Those responding to the Ebola outbreak must be protected. Misinformation and fear must never fuel violence.”
The attack comes amid the ongoing Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the DRC, which has placed substantial pressure on health workers and response teams responsible for identifying cases, tracing contacts, providing treatment and limiting transmission.
According to the epidemiological figures cited in the report, the DRC had recorded 9,964 confirmed cases and 4,841 deaths as of October 24, alongside 2,670 recoveries. The outbreak remained active in 66 health zones.
The incident also highlights the security challenges facing response teams in some affected communities. Reporting by Al Jazeera has described how distrust, misinformation and fear have complicated disease-control efforts, particularly in remote areas with limited medical supplies and healthcare personnel.
Health workers and other responders have reportedly faced threats and intimidation in some locations. Earlier incidents cited in the report included the burning of tents at two health centres in May.
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