Attack On Ebola Response Team In Ituri Raises Risks To Epidemic Control

Aru, August 18, 2026 - An Ebola response team was attacked in Aru in northern Ituri on August 17, disrupting health operations in an epidemic that has killed more than 2,300 people, including hundreds of children under five.

Ambulances were vandalized and one medic was injured during the incident. The UN Ebola coordination team condemned the attack and urged local authorities, motorcycle taxi associations and residents to support the response and reject violence against health workers.

The incident highlights the operational risks facing epidemic control in eastern DRC, where insecurity and public resistance can delay surveillance, patient transport and vaccination efforts. For the government and donors, protection of medical teams remains central to limiting broader public health and economic disruption.