Dozens of attacks on health care providers are intensifying the Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, raising concerns that the violence will increase the death rate in one of the world's fastest-growing outbreaks.
The assaults on medical personnel are complicating efforts to contain the virus, which has already claimed numerous lives.
Health workers, however, continue their efforts despite the risks. One Congolese health worker, who grew up in Goma, stated that neither the threat of infection nor violence is enough to deter him from his work. "I know that if we don't stop this outbreak from wherever it has reached, it will spread farther," he told TIME. "It will reach our own families and ourselves. So we are all at risk if we don't stop it."
This sentiment is echoed by global health officials who emphasize the interconnectedness of global health security. "Viruses don’t respect borders and can use weaknesses in our global health security systems to thrive and propagate. So it’s in the best interest of everyone—Americans included—to keep these systems strong," said Pham.
To combat mistrust and improve cooperation, Sebushishe's team has focused on community involvement in decision-making processes. "We involve the community from the conception, from the planning of each of the projects," he explained. For instance, when a treatment center is being built, community leaders are consulted, shown the site, invited to provide feedback, and encouraged to help disseminate information within their communities. This approach aims to build trust and ensure community buy-in for containment efforts.