Misinformation and the shadow of the “Ebola business” crisis

This 17th Ebola outbreak unfolds against a backdrop of persistent insecurity, fueling both distrust and dangerous false narratives. In Butembo and Beni, within the North Kivu province, memories of the 2018-2020 epidemic remain raw. Grief over lost loved ones, lack of clear information, and bans on patient visits have corroded trust in medical interventions.

Tensions escalated in 2019 when a treatment center (CTE) was partially set ablaze, forcing a temporary suspension of activities by MSF in the area.

“Some advised my husband against going to the health center, claiming doctors would make him sicker,” shares Elise*, who is caring for her husband after his positive test.

In a region where humanitarian aid is scarce, the return of medical teams stirs old fears. “Rumors spread like wildfire,” notes Dr. Pablo Paluku Lwanzo, head physician for Butembo’s health zone. “Some deny the disease’s existence or accuse us of poisoning.”

The specter of the so-called “Ebola business” looms large, with documented cases of financial exploitation and abuse—including gender-based violence—during past outbreaks. These past transgressions continue to undermine safety for humanitarian workers on the ground.

A virus racing beyond control

As of july 13, 2026, Butembo and Beni reported 122 and 31 confirmed cases, with 77 and 20 deaths, respectively. “These numbers likely underrepresent the true toll,” warns Hugo Soubrier, MSF epidemiologist in North Kivu. “Patients arrive at advanced stages, driving high mortality rates. Nearly half of the infected had unrecorded contact with unidentified cases.”

A new isolation center prioritizes human connection

Denise’s sister was admitted to the new isolation center in Butembo, opened by MSF in early july. Daily, Denise and her family can see her through a glass window. “It gives me peace of mind,” she says. The isolation strategy aims to curb transmission while maintaining vital family bonds.

“This approach balances containment with compassion,” explains Delmas Kalemba, MSF’s logistics coordinator. In Butembo, teams repurposed a general hospital building into a 35-bed CTE.

Empowering communities to lead the fight

To halt the virus’s march—which has now reached Tshopo and Haut-Uélé provinces—MSF is placing communities at the heart of the response. “Local leaders understand Ebola’s realities better than anyone,” says Margot Grelet, Butembo project leader. “Our role is to provide medical expertise, supplies, and treatments.”

Teams engage religious and community leaders to tailor interventions, emphasizing early symptom reporting to boost recovery chances.

Community networks amplify prevention efforts

In Beni, 50 km from Butembo, a similar participatory model is in action. “We partner with chiefs, opinion leaders, and civil society to spread prevention messages,” notes Delphine Ferry, health promotion lead.

On the ground, 150 trained community relays answer families’ questions about Bundibugyo virus and treatment centers.

Bringing care closer to home

Proximity care drives operational decisions. In addition to a 26-bed facility near Beni’s referral hospital, MSF supports two local health centers with free primary care. Twelve observation rooms have been set up in Kanzulinzuli and Malepe, with eleven more under construction in Madrandele and Kasabinyole. These spaces safely isolate and treat suspected cases while preserving vital visual and social connections.

*Names have been changed to protect identities.