A six‑year‑old girl and her mother were taken from an Ebola treatment centre in Butembo, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, by armed men, leading to fears of violence against healthcare facilities.
Local health official Dr Lubambo Maboko Gaston announced that the child and mother had recovered and arrived at an Ebola centre 18 km from Butembo, where doctors report the girl's condition is stable.
The incident follows a series of attacks on Ebola care sites, including the arson of tents in Rwampara and shooting incidents in Mongbwalu, underscoring the heightened hostility around medical services during the outbreak.
Official counts show over 230 confirmed deaths and 890 active cases, with the outbreak declared on May 15. The WHO warns the epidemic is evolving rapidly, and the African CDC estimates it could become one of the largest ever.
Local political voices, such as Luc Malembe, point to misinformation that the virus is fabricated or used for profit, contributing to community resistance. In response, health authorities are intensifying surveillance, contact tracing and strengthening treatment infrastructure in affected provinces.
The child’s rescue and stable condition offer a rare moment of hope amid escalating tensions and a looming health crisis in the region, highlighting the complex interplay between security, public confidence and disease control efforts.
