Goma – The AFC-M23 movement has officially launched a large-scale public health response against the Ebola virus disease outbreak affecting eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, calling for unity, vigilance, and immediate cooperation from communities as authorities race to contain the spread of the deadly virus.
In an official address delivered by the Political Coordinator of AFC-M23, the movement described the current Ebola resurgence as one of the gravest health threats facing the region, warning that the outbreak has already caused significant devastation in Ituri Province and neighboring areas. According to figures presented during the launch of the emergency response campaign, the outbreak has so far resulted in 555 suspected cases, 136 suspected deaths, and 11 laboratory-confirmed infections.
The outbreak, officially recognized on May 15, is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a dangerous variant first identified in Uganda and known for lacking a certified vaccine or specific curative treatment. Health officials and AFC-M23 leaders emphasized that prevention, rapid detection, and public cooperation remain the strongest tools available to stop further transmission.
AFC-M23 leaders urged residents to view the outbreak as a humanitarian crisis that transcends politics and conflict. In the speech, the movement stressed that Ebola “does not choose its victims,” calling on local authorities, health workers, humanitarian organizations, religious leaders, and community members to unite in a collective fight against the disease.
The launch of the response campaign comes as surveillance operations intensify across eastern Congo following new suspected and confirmed Ebola cases in areas administered by AFC-M23. Health teams recently collected multiple suspicious samples from affected communities and transferred them to the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB) laboratory in Goma for analysis as part of expanded monitoring efforts.
Officials reported that the overall situation in Goma remains relatively stable despite the confirmation of one Ebola patient currently being treated in isolation. Authorities added that all known contacts linked to the patient are under close medical monitoring and strict public health surveillance to prevent additional infections.
At the same time, concerns have increased following the confirmation of another Ebola case in the Miti-Murhesa area near Bukavu. According to local officials, the infected individual, a 28-year-old resident, died before laboratory confirmation of the disease was completed. Health authorities stated that burial procedures were carried out under strict Ebola prevention protocols designed to reduce the risk of transmission.
AFC-M23 strongly condemned hostile actions recently reported at the Rwampara General Referral Hospital in Irumu Territory, where certain response measures reportedly faced resistance. Movement officials warned that any attempt to obstruct public health operations could endanger entire communities and accelerate the spread of the virus.
To strengthen coordination efforts, AFC-M23 announced the creation of a special health crisis unit under the supervision of Professor Freddy R. Kaniki, an internationally recognized epidemiologist and pharmacologist with extensive experience in therapeutic monitoring and outbreak response. The unit is expected to work closely with local leaders, national and international health experts, humanitarian organizations, and frontline medical personnel to implement a comprehensive Ebola containment strategy across affected areas.
The movement also expressed gratitude toward international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), for rapidly mobilizing support during the emergency. AFC-M23 reaffirmed its willingness to cooperate with all humanitarian and medical actors committed to protecting civilians and improving the effectiveness of the response campaign.
Medical experts continue to warn that Ebola remains among the world’s deadliest viral diseases because of its high fatality rate and rapid transmission through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. Eastern Congo has experienced repeated Ebola outbreaks over the past several decades, often complicated by insecurity, displacement, weak healthcare infrastructure, and limited access to remote communities.
AFC-M23 leaders called on residents throughout eastern Congo to remain calm but disciplined, urging families to report suspected symptoms immediately, avoid unnecessary physical contact with infected individuals, and strictly follow hygiene and prevention measures issued by health authorities.
The movement concluded its appeal by emphasizing that defeating Ebola will require collective responsibility, community resilience, and unwavering vigilance. Officials stressed that the protection of human life must remain above political divisions as eastern Congo confronts another dangerous chapter in its long struggle against deadly epidemics.
