Traditional healers on the frontline of the Ebola Fight in DR Congo

As health authorities confront a growing Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, traditional healers are becoming key players in efforts to contain this deadly disease.

In Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, traditional healer Mariam Kabika gathers eucalyptus, avocado, mango, and papaya leaves from her garden to prepare herbal remedies that she believes can help Ebola patients.

The outbreak was declared on May 15 and marks DR Congo’s 17th Ebola epidemic. According to health officials, there have been 359 confirmed infections and 61 deaths so far.

Health workers responding to the outbreak face significant mistrust in many communities, particularly in conflict-affected eastern regions where access to healthcare is limited and traditional beliefs remain strong.

Kabika and her husband, Dauda Tshimanga, operate a practice they call the “laboratory of the ancestors,” where they combine herbal treatments with spiritual rituals. They assert that traditional medicine can aid Ebola patients, even though their remedies have not been scientifically validated.

Many residents in remote areas turn to traditional healers before seeking help from health facilities. Medical professionals warn that this can delay diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of severe illness and further transmission of the virus.

Dr. Willy Beiza in Bunia explains that some patients mistakenly believe their symptoms are the result of poisoning rather than illness, prompting them to consult traditional practitioners first. By the time these patients reach hospitals, many are already in critical condition.

The current outbreak is attributed to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

During a recent visit to Bunia, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that community mistrust remains a significant obstacle to controlling the outbreak. He noted that some local leaders still question the existence of Ebola.

Despite these challenges, health authorities are increasingly recognizing the vital role that traditional healers and community leaders can play in responding to the disease. Previous outbreaks have shown that involving community leaders can enhance compliance with isolation measures and safe burial practices.

The WHO reports that only about 45 percent of identified contacts are currently being monitored, highlighting ongoing difficulties in containing the outbreak.

Health officials are now encouraging traditional healers to refer suspected Ebola cases to medical facilities and are distributing protective equipment to practitioners who frequently interact with ill patients. Among traditional healers, there is a growing recognition of the threat posed by the virus.