Radio tackling rumours and misinformation in DRC’s deadliest Ebola outbreak

Radio is a powerful tool that helps inform, transform and unite us. In a health emergency, it can also become a lifeline.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo)’s worst Ebola outbreak in history, radio is being used to engage communities about the virus – a cornerstone in stopping its spread. This is the first time that Ebola has found its way into North Kivu, an area where there is complex and violent conflict, escalating the risk of its spread to other provinces and neighbouring countries.

The outbreak is further complicated by significant community resistance, fed by fear, rumours and stigma, which can counter humanitarian efforts. Through radio, mobile cinemas and house-to-house visits, volunteers are building trust and collecting rumours, suspicions and concerns into a tracking system.

Thanks to partners like ECHO and many others, Red Cross is able to continue this critical community engagement work to prevent and respond to Ebola in DR Congo and neighbouring countries.