As part of its support to the response against the Ebola virus disease in Ituri province, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) continues its preventive interventions for the benefit of local communities.
On Sunday, May 31, 2026, in Bogoro, a locality located 25 kilometers from Bunia in Irumu territory, a team of Indonesian peacekeepers carried out the complete disinfection of the CECA 20 Church buildings. This operation aimed to reduce the risk of Ebola virus transmission in a community gathering place.
The peacekeepers disinfected all surfaces, including seats, the altar, doors, windows, and the interior of the building. On this occasion, they raised awareness among religious leaders and worshippers about essential preventive measures, including regular handwashing with soap and water or disinfectant solutions, physical distancing, and seeking medical consultation promptly in case of suspicious symptoms.
Religious leaders and residents of Bogoro welcomed this initiative, emphasizing that it helps ensure a safe environment for the resumption of worship services, in strict compliance with barrier measures.
The following day, Monday, June 1, 2026, another team of Indonesian peacekeepers intervened in Tchabi, about 120 kilometers south of Bunia, still in Irumu territory. This time, efforts focused on disinfecting and sterilizing the facilities of a local health center.
Patient rooms, medical equipment, and frequently touched surfaces such as door handles were carefully treated, in close coordination with the facility’s management and healthcare staff.
At the same time, MONUSCO teams conducted awareness sessions for health workers and patients, stressing adherence to hygiene protocols and the proper use of personal protective equipment.
These interventions take place in a context of heightened vigilance regarding the spread of Ebola virus disease in Ituri. The Congolese Ministry of Transport announced, in a statement published on June 1, 2026, the gradual resumption of flights to and from Bunia’s Murongo airport, after a suspension of more than a week.
This decision followed a satisfactory assessment of epidemic surveillance measures.
Strict compliance with preventive measures
Authorities nevertheless reiterated the importance of strict compliance with preventive measures, including systematic passenger temperature checks before boarding and upon arrival, as well as rigorous application of barrier gestures.
Since the official declaration of the epidemic on May 16, 2026, preventive measures remain essential, in the absence of universally accessible curative treatment. Health authorities emphasize the importance of maintaining practices such as frequent handwashing, physical distancing, avoiding direct contact with infected persons or corpses, and regular disinfection of commonly used surfaces and objects.
MONUSCO’s support
Beyond awareness-raising actions, MONUSCO provides significant logistical support to the response. To date, more than 100 tons of medical supplies and essential inputs have been delivered to Bunia from several regional hubs, including Nairobi, Kinshasa, Goma, and Entebbe, via Mission flights.
In addition, ambulances, off-road vehicles, and motorcycles have been made available to the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen the mobility of response teams in the field.
Through these initiatives, MONUSCO reaffirms its commitment to supporting Congolese authorities in protecting civilians and limiting the spread of the disease in Ituri, the epicenter of the epidemic.
Jean-Tobie Okala
