Canadian Red Cross

Published purpose

August 1, 2018 - A 10th outbreak of the Ebola virus disease was declared in North Kivu and Ituri provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). North Kivu and Ituri are among the most populated provinces in the DRC. These provinces have been experiencing intense insecurity and a worsening humanitarian crisis, and over one million internally displaced people. The continuous movement of refugees to neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda, represents a risk of spreading the outbreak to other provinces and neighbouring countries. With GAC’s support, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Appeal works to support Red Cross Societies’ staff and volunteers to carry out relief operations focussed on epidemic control through: community-based surveillance and response mechanisms; safe and dignified burials; risk communication; social mobilization and community engagement; infection prevention and control; support to health facilities and communities; and psychosocial support. The project includes the DRC response, and preparedness activities in Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda. Project activities include: (1) establishing and maintaining infection prevention and control measures in health facilities; (2) providing psychosocial support to Ebola patients and their families; (3) conducting advocacy and community outreach on Ebola prevention, detection and control; and (4) advocating for access by humanitarian personnel to affected and at-risk communities.