25 August 2026, Beni, North Kivu – In response to the spread of the 17th Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is strengthening its response in North Kivu. In cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the organisation has opened a new Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC) in Beni. This new facility enables the rapid treatment of patients, strengthens contact tracing and supports the health authorities in their efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
Declared on 15 May, this 17th outbreak has now spread to six provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Bas-Uélé and Tshopo. As of 22 August, the country has recorded more than 5,514 confirmed cases and 2,642 confirmed deaths, this epidemic is now the largest Ebola disease outbreak in the DRC on record, and the fastest spreading ever recorded globally. While most confirmed cases are recorded in Ituri, the towns of Beni and Butembo in North Kivu account for a significant proportion of infections. In the province, 714 confirmed cases and 490 deaths were recorded until 22 August.
In North Kivu, MSF is already supporting the health authorities through an ETC and isolation centres in Butembo. The opening of the new ETC in Beni further strengthens these capacities, enabling a faster response in one of the hardest-hit areas.
“Every hour counts in the fight against Ebola disease. Early diagnosis and treatment as soon as the first symptoms appear significantly increase people’s chances of survival, whilst reducing the risk of transmission within families and communities,” says Albert Stern, MSF emergency coordinator.
Every hour counts in the fight against Ebola disease.Albert Stern, MSF emergency coordinator.
But the fight against Ebola disease is not confined to treatment centres, and it should not be done at the expense of other healthcare services. Albert Stern explains: “Ebola disease is terrifying, and many people refrain from seeking healthcare out of fear to catch the virus in the health facilities or due to false rumours about the care that is provided there. This means that patients who have diseases like malaria, which is the leading cause of death in the country, or women and girls who are pregnant, might not get the care they need. This risks causing more people getting sick or dying from other causes than Ebola disease. Therefore, working alongside local communities, MSF is also strengthening primary healthcare services in the affected areas.”
In Beni, free consultations for common illnesses and medical care are available at the four health care centres of Kanzulinzuli, Malepe, Madrandele and Kasabinyole. Eighteen isolation rooms are currently operational, with five additional rooms under construction in Kasabinyole. These facilities enable patients with malaria, respiratory infections and diarrhoea – or those showing symptoms consistent with Ebola disease – to be admitted quickly, isolated in dignified conditions, and provided with care and appropriate nutrition, whilst maintaining contact with their loved ones in accordance with preventive measures. This approach helps to limit the transmission of the virus whilst ensuring that patients receive compassionate care.
As pregnant women and girls are at high risk of complications during Ebola disease outbreaks, MSF is supporting sexual and reproductive healthcare and working to make childbirth safer across all the health centres we support in Beni.
At the same time, MSF is developing a community-based response that works as closely as possible with local communities. In collaboration with local leaders, community representatives and civil society organisations, MSF teams are building awareness within communities, promoting acceptance of public health measures and facilitating the early identification of sick people so that they can be referred swiftly to healthcare facilities.
Through this approach, which combines medical care, strengthening primary healthcare and community engagement, MSF is continuing to support health authorities in North Kivu to curb the spread of the virus and save as many lives as possible.
