BAFWASENDE, Democratic Republic of Congo — A nurse was killed and another health worker was severely injured in an attack while responding to an Ebola alert in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the World Health Organization.
The incident took place on Saturday in Bafwasende, in Tshopo province, and was reported by WHO officials over the weekend. The attack highlights the security challenges facing teams working to contain the country’s ongoing Ebola outbreak.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the violence, stressing that health workers must be able to carry out their duties safely. The organization’s regional director for Africa, Mohamed Yakub Janabi, also warned that misinformation and fear must not fuel violence against response teams.
As of the latest reporting, local authorities had not publicly identified suspects or provided a detailed account of the attack.
Ebola response faces security challenges
The attack comes as health authorities continue efforts to contain a major outbreak in the country. According to figures cited by the Associated Press from the Congolese Ministry of Health, more than 9,800 cases and over 4,700 deaths had been reported since the outbreak began in May.
Health workers have faced resistance in some communities, where distrust and misinformation have complicated efforts to carry out public health measures. Previous incidents have included threats against response teams and attacks on health facilities.
Such violence can make it harder to investigate suspected cases, support affected communities and deliver medical assistance, particularly in remote areas where healthcare resources are limited.
Regional monitoring continues
The outbreak has prompted concern beyond Congo’s borders. Neighboring countries have strengthened monitoring and other public health measures as health authorities work to identify potential cases and limit further transmission.
The WHO has emphasized the importance of cooperation, surveillance and community engagement. Public health officials also stress that accurate information is essential to helping people understand the risks and cooperate with response teams.
The latest attack underscores the need to protect medical personnel and ensure that communities can receive health assistance without fear or intimidation.
Further concerns over health workers’ safety
Additional reporting by Reuters on October 26 said other health workers in Bafwasende were sheltering under police protection because they feared for their safety. The report highlights how attacks and misinformation can complicate efforts to respond to the Ebola outbreak.
Source: Reuters reporting, October 26, 2026.
Sources: Associated Press and Al Jazeera, October 25–26, 2026.
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