As the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) nears declaring the end of its sixteenth Ebola outbreak, response teams are intensifying efforts to protect communities through vaccination and reinforce preventive measures to prevent a resurgence of the deadly virus.
In Kasai Province, teams from the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) are carrying out targeted vaccination campaigns in the most affected villages, ensuring that communities and families are reached in their settings.
Since vaccination began in Bulape Health Zone and neighbouring localities on 14 September 2025, more than 44,000 people have received the Ebola vaccine.
The success of the campaign has been attributed to close coordination between health authorities and partners, with financial and logistical support from the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and WHO.
Families have turned out voluntarily for vaccination, encouraged by local leaders, community mobilisers, and health workers who have been conducting door-to-door sensitisation.
Local have appreciated the exercise, noting that they have seen dangerous effects of this deadly disease. Getting vaccinated means protecting them and their loved ones.
Working closely with local authorities, vaccination teams have set up stations in easily accessible areas to reach more residents.
More than 45,000 vaccine doses have been delivered to Bulape, supported by a robust cold chain system to maintain vaccine potency and ensure effective coverage.
Health experts say that while the outbreak is nearly over, continued vigilance is essential, given the risk of cross-border transmission. Uganda, which shares a long and porous border with the DRC, remains one of the countries most at risk due to daily cross-border movements for trade, social, and family activities.
WHO and Uganda’s Ministry of Health have maintained heightened surveillance at major border points, including Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Kisoro districts, to detect and respond swiftly to any suspected Ebola cases.
The DRC’s progress toward ending the outbreak demonstrates the impact of strong coordination, community engagement, and sustained investment in health systems lessons that remain crucial for both countries in preventing future outbreaks.