Around twenty healthcare professionals from MONUSCO and the Mission’s military contingents took part in a training session held on 16 and 17 June in Goma on infection prevention and control, the proper donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE), and decontamination procedures, in the context of the resurgence of Ebola Virus Disease affecting North Kivu and Ituri.
Organized by MONUSCO’s Infection Prevention and Control and Epidemic Preparedness Unit (HPIDP) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the capacity-building session was held at MONUSCO’s Level II+ Hospital, located at the RVA site in Goma. Participants included doctors, nurses, and ambulance drivers from the Mission, as well as other Mission personnel who joined the training remotely.
Strengthening Capacity for an Effective Response
According to Dr. Jacqueline Matowo, a physician at MONUSCO’s Level I Clinic, the primary objective of the training was to update staff knowledge and ensure that all responders apply the same standard operating procedures in the event of an Ebola Virus Disease case. It also strengthened the capacity of frontline healthcare workers by familiarizing them with the latest World Health Organization (WHO) standards and recommendations on infection prevention and control and patient management.
“This training serves both as a refresher and as a capacity-building exercise. We wanted to bring together medical personnel, military personnel, and civilians so that everyone would be aligned on the standard operating procedures to be followed in the context of this outbreak. Healthcare workers are on the front line. They must be able to quickly identify suspected cases, protect themselves, and ensure a safe environment for their patients,” she explained.
According to Dr. Matowo, participants received training on the screening and triage of suspected cases, infection prevention and control, the proper use of personal protective equipment, and procedures for referring patients to specialized treatment facilities.
Practical Exercises to Strengthen Safe Care Practices
Dr. Didier Mwecha, a WHO specialist in infection prevention and control, explained that the training was primarily designed to equip personnel with essential practical skills in the context of the Ebola resurgence.
“We focused on standard precautions and the additional precautions specific to Ebola Virus Disease. Participants completed practical exercises on the safe donning and doffing of personal protective equipment, as well as the decontamination of surfaces and medical equipment,” he said.
The WHO expert also noted that the symptoms of Ebola can resemble those of other common illnesses, such as malaria or typhoid fever, underscoring the importance of effective triage and early detection.
“It is essential that healthcare workers are able to rapidly recognize a suspected case in order to protect themselves, but also to safeguard patients visiting healthcare facilities. Although the recently confirmed case in Goma has now recovered, the risks remain high across the region. The Greater North, particularly the Beni and Butembo areas, as well as the neighboring province of Ituri, continue to report new cases. As long as transmission continues in these areas, we must maintain a high level of vigilance,” Dr. Didier Mwecha emphasized.
“The Fight Against Ebola Is Everyone’s Responsibility”
Colonel Joyanta Borah, Commander of MONUSCO’s Indian Level II+ Hospital, echoed the same message, stressing that combating Ebola requires the involvement of everyone.
“We all live in the same country where the outbreak is ongoing. It would be a mistake to assume that the disease cannot reach Goma or MONUSCO facilities. We must be prepared to respond to any eventuality. Every staff member—whether a doctor, nurse, technician, or maintenance worker—must understand and follow the established safety protocols. Together, we can contain and control this outbreak before it escalates further,” he said.
Beyond medical personnel, the organizers emphasized the need to mobilize all stakeholders to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Dr. Jacqueline Matowo, a physician at MONUSCO’s Level I Clinic, called for strengthened public awareness campaigns and enhanced community surveillance to help communities better understand the risks associated with Ebola and adopt appropriate preventive behaviors.
Through this initiative, MONUSCO and the World Health Organization reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the preparedness of healthcare personnel and supporting ongoing efforts to prevent and respond to Ebola Virus Disease in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Aline Kataliko
