Beni, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo — August 2026
Humanitarian Action for Africa (HAA), with material and financial support from Direct Relief, is strengthening preparedness and response to the Ebola virus disease in Beni Health Zone, North Kivu.
The initiative focuses on strengthening community preparedness, building trust, and ensuring that communities have the knowledge and confidence needed to report suspected cases early and seek appropriate care.
Building trust through community engagement
At the heart of the project is a community-centered approach to risk communication and community engagement. HAA will work with communities to facilitate dialogues and awareness activities addressing key issues related to Ebola prevention and response.
These activities will cover Ebola signs and symptoms, early alert and reporting mechanisms, safe and dignified burials, hand hygiene, the risks associated with home-based care for suspected cases, rumor management, and support for Ebola survivors.
By engaging directly with communities, HAA aims to promote accurate information, address concerns and misinformation, and strengthen collaboration between communities and the health system.
Essential supplies to support the response
As part of Direct Relief's support, a shipment of essential medical supplies has been prepared for HAA and is being transported to Beni.
The shipment includes medicines, personal protective equipment (PPE), oral rehydration salts and other essential supplies, with a total value of approximately US$1.9 million.
These supplies will contribute to strengthening the capacity of health actors and frontline teams to prepare for and respond to health emergencies.
From preparedness to action
For HAA, preparedness means ensuring that communities, health workers and response structures are better equipped before an emergency escalates.
Through the support of Direct Relief, this project combines essential medical supplies with community engagement and risk communication, recognizing that an effective Ebola response depends not only on medical resources, but also on trust, timely reporting and informed communities.
HAA and Direct Relief remain committed to supporting stronger health emergency preparedness and response in Beni and contributing to the protection of communities in North Kivu.
