The declaration of the end of the 16th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo marks an important milestone, but the IFRC stresses that the post-outbreak phase remains highly vulnerable. The organization warns that communities already dealing with cholera, mpox, and weak health systems face an elevated risk of renewed flare-ups. To prevent a resurgence, the focus now shifts to urgently scaling up community-based surveillance, infection prevention and control, and long-term investment in local health infrastructure.
Community engagement remains central to stopping future outbreaks. Red Cross volunteers, who played a key role in containing Ebola, continue to lead efforts in early detection, hygiene promotion, coordination with local leaders, and addressing misinformation. Their work is especially crucial in remote areas where formal health services are limited. The DRC Red Cross emphasizes that without sustained investment, the country will continue facing recurrent epidemics despite successful containment efforts.
During the outbreak response, volunteers conducted safe and dignified burials, supported epidemic control operations, engaged thousands in risk communication, improved hygiene conditions, and provided psychosocial support. National vaccination efforts also reached tens of thousands of people, underscoring how local action directly contributes to protecting communities and stopping transmission.
Even with swift containment, the outbreak exposed structural weaknesses in the health system. Limited isolation facilities, shortages of protective equipment, and gaps in infection prevention and control created vulnerabilities. Ongoing cholera and mpox outbreaks further stretched capacity, disproportionately affecting women, children, and displaced populations who already face heightened risks.
These challenges highlight the need for stronger preparedness and long-term resilience. The IFRC is urging partners and donors to enhance community-based surveillance, reinforce infection prevention protocols, improve water and sanitation systems, expand support for frontline volunteers, and increase psychosocial and protection services. Strengthening these areas now is essential to preventing future outbreaks and safeguarding the health of communities across the DRC.
