(Photo: Tearfund)
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with an alarming Ebola outbreak, prompting faith leaders to voice their worries over the situation. The outbreak, which was declared on May 15, swiftly led to the World Health Organisation labeling it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) just two days later. The deadly virus has already claimed approximately 250 lives, with suspected cases surpassing 1,000.
Reverend Pastor JarieKong’A Munguromo Penuel of the Africa Inland Church in Bunia, eastern DRC, expressed his concerns to aid organization Tearfund, stating, “We are afraid these days because of the deaths caused by the Ebola epidemic. Before, we buried very few people, and now we bury many people every day. This situation is very serious.”
The Ebola outbreak exacerbates the ongoing turmoil in the DRC, which is already challenged by civil strife involving government troops, the M23 militant group reportedly backed by Rwanda, and Islamist extremists. Regions such as North Kivu and Goma, already beset by conflict, are among those severely affected.
The World Council of Churches has recently urged for a ceasefire to effectively address the Ebola crisis and has called upon church leaders to actively counter misinformation.
In response to the crisis, Pastor Penuel mentioned, “Churches are using posters … and the general public are coming to us for advice. We use disinfectants and wear face coverings or masks. We tell them to keep their distance, to not crowd together, and we also tell them to keep washing their hands.”
Tearfund is collaborating with faith leaders to disseminate best practices in prevention, safety, and hygiene. According to Poppy Anguandia, Tearfund’s Country Director for the DRC, “Community acceptance and mistrust are major issues, which are leading to incidents of violence. Engaging faith leaders is now a critical part of risk communication and tackling misinformation. It’s exactly why we are working with them. By partnering with over 500 faith leaders in different districts, thousands of people will hear these prevention messages that can help save their lives and the lives of their loved ones.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
