EBOLA OUTBREAK UPDATE

You may have seen recent news reports about a serious Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.We want to share what we know and ask for your prayers.

The outbreak is centered in Ituri Province, in the northeastern part of the country (125 mi. and more from Beni). Cases have also been reported in the cities of Butembo and Goma (35 mi. and 150 mi. from Beni, respectively).

As of today, the World Health Organization reports that there are 600 suspected cases and 139 deaths. 

The outbreak unfolds within a difficult context. Eastern Congo has long faced the compounding pressures of armed conflict, displacement, food insecurity, and fragile health infrastructure. Resources to track and manage the disease and care for patients have been reduced from previous years because of funding cuts from international partners. 

This is not the first time residents have navigated crises. But that does not make the situation any easier to accept.

At Impact Now, our hearts are with our NYOTA participants, graduates, and staff, as well as their families. Our hearts are also with our colleagues at the Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC), our institutional partner in the NYOTA Leadership Program.

When we reached out to ask NYOTA participants and graduates how their families and organizations were faring, one participant replied, “Pray for protection of our families and our various networks, and that we observe the various protective measures against the spread of the disease.”

So we extend this request to you. 

Please pray for the safety of the NYOTA community and their families. Pray for colleagues at UCBC. Pray for the healthcare workers who are responding with courage under enormous pressure. And pray for the people of eastern Congo as they face yet another challenge.