The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing its 17th Ebola outbreak since the disease was first identified in 1976, and the third outbreak caused by this particular strain of the virus. While each outbreak captures international attention for a season, the deeper story is one of a nation enduring decades of compounded challenges.
The repeated emergence of Ebola in eastern DRC reflects a convergence of vulnerability, chronic conflict, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure. In regions such as North Kivu, mining communities often live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Limited agricultural development has left many families dependent on bush meat as a source of protein, increasing exposure to zoonotic diseases. Long-standing armed conflicts have displaced millions of people, forcing families into temporary settlements with limited access to clean water, sanitation, or healthcare.
Healthcare workers continue to serve under extremely difficult conditions. Medical facilities often lack adequate resources to safely isolate infected individuals, while mistrust and misinformation can hinder response efforts. Against this backdrop, local churches have become vital partners in community education, trust-building, and humanitarian response.
Update from the Alliance of Evangelicals in Congo
The Alliance of Evangelicals in Congo (AEC) has been actively raising awareness among senior pastors and member churches to help prevent the spread of Ebola and limit its expansion into vulnerable communities. AEC is utilizing trainers who previously participated in Ebola response initiatives conducted in 2019 and early 2020, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although this current strain has presented significant challenges, AEC reports encouraging progress in the health sector’s ability to contain the virus. Their current efforts focus on combating misinformation and increasing public awareness, helping communities understand prevention measures and cooperate with health authorities.
However, significant needs remain. AEC lacks sufficient financial resources to purchase essential supplies such as face masks, hand sanitizers, buckets, liquid soap, and other hygiene materials. In addition, ongoing conflict and displacement in eastern DRC have compelled AEC to expand its interventions among displaced populations, seeking not only to prevent Ebola transmission but also to reduce the risk of water-borne diseases through improved hygiene and sanitation measures.
“We covet your prayers and support as we collectively combat this crisis” – Dr. Master Oboletswe Matlhaope, Secretary General, AEA.
Prayer Points
Pray for the people of DRC.
Ask God to strengthen communities that have endured years of conflict, displacement, poverty, and recurring disease outbreaks. Pray for families whose lives have been repeatedly disrupted and for those who continue to face uncertainty and hardship.
Pray for healing and protection.
Pray that the spread of Ebola would be contained quickly and effectively. Ask God to protect vulnerable communities, healthcare workers, aid personnel, and church leaders serving on the front lines of the response.
Pray for the Church in DRC.
Pray that believers and churches would serve as trusted voices in their communities, helping to counter misinformation and build confidence in life-saving health interventions. Ask God to empower the Church’s witness through practical acts of compassion and service.
Pray for resources.
Ask God to provide the financial and material resources needed for local response efforts, including hygiene supplies, sanitation equipment, medical resources, and support for displaced families.
Pray for humanitarian and health organizations.
Pray for wisdom, safety, and effectiveness for the World Health Organization, government agencies, NGOs, and local partners working to contain the outbreak and strengthen public health systems.
Pray for lasting transformation.
The challenges facing DRC will not end when this outbreak subsides. Pray for peace, good governance, economic opportunity, improved healthcare infrastructure, and long-term development that will help communities flourish and become more resilient in the face of future crises.
May we remember our brothers and sisters in the Democratic Republic of Congo not only during times of crisis but also in the long journey toward healing, stability, and hope.
