. Chanumula has seen some hopeful signs in communities that once resisted safe and dignified burials. Where there was once skepticism, she sees more people approaching volunteers and asking questions about how to protect themselves. “This in the same places where people were blocking volunteers from
Key takeaway "They are not outsiders; they are part of these communities," says Gabriela Arenas Regional, Operations Coordinator for IFRC Africa Region.
Why this matters
The progress made in communities that once resisted safe and dignified burials in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a crucial step in the fight against Ebola. The involvement of local volunteers, who are part of the affected communities, has been instrumental in building trust and promoting acceptance of preventive measures. This approach is critical in containing the outbreak, as trust and community acceptance can mean the difference between containment and wider transmission. The Red Cross, with its long-standing presence and trusted relationships within affected communities, is well-placed to support this work. By providing practical, respectful, and culturally appropriate support, the organization can help debunk myths surrounding the disease and reduce stigma. The success of the DRC Red Cross in working with and for the community is a key factor in overcoming the Ebola outbreak, and its efforts will be closely watched as a model for effective community-based disaster relief.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ReliefWeb . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: disaster ·
Published: June 16, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? . Chanumula has seen some hopeful signs in communities that once resisted safe and dignified burials. Where there was once skepticism, she sees more people approaching volunteers and asking questions about how to protect themselves. “This in the same places where people were blocking volunteers from
When was this published? This article was first published on June 16, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more disaster coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .