Top concerns
Ebola Bundibugyo: “Ebola business”, corruption and financial-interest narratives become highly visible
During this period, many conversations framed Ebola Bundibugyo as a possible opportunity to attract funding, enrich political or health actors, or justify external intervention. These narratives were particularly visible in DRC-centred conversations, but also appeared in Kenya, Nigeria and regional discussions.
Kenya: isolation centres and alleged agreements with the United States fuel mistrust and sovereignty concerns
In Kenya, discussions around quarantine or treatment centres, Laikipia Airbase, court decisions and alleged agreements with the United States generated strong reactions. The debate shifted from public health preparedness to transparency, political trust, sovereignty and fear of imposed measures.
DRC: safe burials, recoveries and treatment rumours raise sensitive operational questions
In the DRC, conversations focused on resistance to safe and dignified burials, questions about recovered patients, rumours about tablets or traditional remedies, and concerns around supportive care, free treatment and isolation. These issues show the need for clearer explanations and stronger community dialogue.
Regional spread and stigma: fear of importation extends beyond directly affected areas
Across Uganda, Kenya, the Central African Republic, South Africa, Tanzania, Nigeria and other regional spaces, conversations focused on borders, travellers, imported cases and preparedness. Some comments also associated Ebola risk with Congolese people, Ugandans or foreign travellers, creating a risk of stigmatization.
For more information, please contact: Elodie at hoelodie [at] who.int (hoelodie[at]who[dot]int) and Salif Diarra at diarrasa [at] who.int (diarrasa[at]who[dot]int)
