Burial teams in the Democratic Republic of Congo are struggling to cope with the demands of the escalating Ebola outbreak, facing increased workloads, community anger, and the constant risk of infection. These teams are responsible for the safe and dignified burial of victims, a critical step in preventing further spread of the virus.
In Ituri province, the epicenter of the deadliest Ebola outbreak in history, burial teams like the one led by Yuma Adolphe work nearly every day. The outbreak has claimed nearly 3,200 lives among more than 6,500 cases since it began in mid-May. Despite the immense physical and mental toll, team members emphasize their commitment to community safety.
"It is difficult, but we try to push ourselves beyond our limits," Adolphe told The Associated Press. "We have to look at our own mental well-being, and physically the fatigue mounts, but we keep going to ensure the community is protected."
Health experts state that the bodies of Ebola victims can still contain the active virus, making them a significant source of transmission. Health workers exclusively handle the bodies to mitigate this risk, a practice that conflicts with traditional burial customs. This deprivation of customary rites often leads to misunderstandings and frustration among bereaved families.
"Usually, the body is handed over to the family, who can handle it however they wish, in accordance with our African customs," Adolphe explained. "But in this situation, it’s difficult to let the family handle the body as they please. They are deprived of certain rituals, and that’s what leads to misunderstandings."
Since May, health workers and burial teams have faced attacks from grieving families along the outbreak's front lines. Jeanne Alasha, an adviser to the military governor of Ituri on health and humanitarian affairs, stated that assaulting these teams is an offense punishable by law.
Ituri province is also experiencing a rebel conflict, and the area is under a military government. The Ebola outbreak itself is spreading across six provinces in eastern Congo, hampered by rebel violence, population displacement, and weak healthcare systems.
Efforts to contain the outbreak are further complicated by the lack of a proven vaccine or treatment for the specific Bundibugyo virus strain. While front-line health workers are being vaccinated with the Evrebo vaccine, its effectiveness against the current strain is not conclusively proven.
Authorities estimate the actual scale of the crisis could be three times higher than official figures, with the disease outpacing containment efforts. The World Health Organization has projected that this outbreak could surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak, which resulted in over 11,000 deaths.
Front-line health workers have also engaged in strikes to demand pay, adding another layer of complexity to the containment efforts. Benjamin Muhindo, another burial team member, noted that while his family worries about him contracting the virus, his primary concern remains ensuring proper burials for victims. "Burials during this Ebola epidemic are very complicated, as we are working under pressure and constantly racing against the clock," Muhindo said.
Trauma experts highlight that the impact of the outbreak extends beyond case numbers, affecting individuals and communities on a profound level. Rose Tchwenko, Mercy Corps country director in Congo, stated that breaking the chain of transmission requires an integrated response that includes social support for bereaved families and front-line workers.
Despite the fatigue and challenges, burial team members like Adolphe remain dedicated. "We have no choice," he said. "We are here to safeguard our community."