Anglican Bishop Urges Continued Global Attention to Ebola Outbreak in DRC

The Rt Rev. William Bahemuka Mugeny, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Boga, has called on the international community to maintain focus on the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since the 17th outbreak in the country was declared in May, the official death toll has surpassed 1,000. Bishop Mugeny expressed concern that the virus has largely disappeared from global discourse, potentially creating a false impression that the crisis has been resolved.

Local efforts to combat the disease face significant hurdles, including widespread poverty, limited access to clean water for hygiene, and misinformation regarding the virus's existence. These challenges have occasionally led to hostility toward healthcare facilities and workers. In response, churches and aid organizations, including Samaritan's Purse, are working to provide medical assistance, install handwashing stations, and educate the public on preventative measures. Bishop Mugeny encouraged the church to remain steadfast in its support, emphasizing that the struggle remains a daily reality for the Congolese people.