Dr Charles Bussa Munyumu, who arrived in Butembo, North Kivu, last year with the goal of establishing the region’s first neurosurgery service, has died from Ebola. His passing marks a significant loss for the local healthcare sector grappling with one of the deadliest Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Trained in Dakar and France, Dr Munyumu joined Butembo’s medical community in June 2025, bringing hope to patients with brain injuries and stroke. He was receiving treatment at the Katwa Ebola Treatment Centre before succumbing to the disease.

Escalating Toll on Health Workers

The current Ebola outbreak, which began quietly months before being officially declared, has infected over 4,300 people and claimed more than 2,000 lives, including at least 35 healthcare workers as of mid-July, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak primarily affects five provinces, with Ituri accounting for the majority of cases.

Healthcare workers face immense challenges, including inadequate resources, community mistrust, and attacks on response teams. Resistance to safe burials and denial of the disease remain significant obstacles, especially in Ituri and North Kivu.

Government Response and Community Efforts

  • The DRC Ministry of Health reports strengthened healthcare capacity with the opening of a new Ebola treatment centre in Ituri, increasing bed capacity to 840.
  • Screening measures at entry points have reached a 98% rate, covering over 100,000 travellers.
  • Community outreach programs involving home visits and educational discussions aim to improve public awareness and reduce resistance.
  • Health workers, many previously unpaid, have now been included in risk allowance schemes to support their critical role in the response.

Despite these efforts, the outbreak continues to spread rapidly in a region marked by conflict, displacement, and high population density, complicating containment efforts. The Ministry of Health highlights that 869 patients have recovered, emphasizing the ongoing fight against the virus.