The 17th Ebola epidemic, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, was first detected in eastern DRC in late May – starting in Iutri before spreading to North Kivu and South Kivu. This week, a new case has recently been detected in Kisangani, a sign that the disease continues to progress. According to the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), 1,406 cases have been recorded in total with 438 deaths, a fatality rate of 31.2%.

In this challenging context, land borders with Rwanda and Uganda remain closed, while the airports of Goma and Bukavu have been shut down since rebels took over these cities in early 2025, limiting the external supply of medical supplies. Several hospitals in the city now find themselves unable to source alcohol and disinfectants. For this reason, Panzi Foundation’s bioethanol plant stands as a safeguard against the spread of the virus.

What is bioethanol?

Bioethanol is an ethyl alcohol created by fermenting sugar-rich plant materials, such as sugarcane. It is used as a disinfectant, solvent, or fuel, and should not be confused with drinking alcohol. Panzi Foundation’s plant produces 96% bioethanol, intended exclusively for medical disinfection and the production of hydro-alcoholic solutions.

A response to broken supply chains

During epidemics, 96% bioethanol is essential for disinfecting hands, surfaces, protective equipment, and treatment centers. Since it launched in 2024, the unit has primarily supplied health facilities, laboratories, pharmaceutical warehouses, and other institutional users in the city of Bukavu, whose annual demand for medical bioethanol is estimated at around 77,000 liters.

Border closures and conflict have resulted in severe disruptions to the supply chain. Panzi Foundation’s bioethanol plant has filled key gaps for health facilities across the region. Without this local production, many hospitals in Bukavu would have otherwise depleted their stock of disinfectant, a grave risk in the face of an epidemic that threatens frontline staff and treatment sites. Thanks to Panzi’s plant, hospitals in our network are now able to maintain minimum standards of infection control and can continue to respond to Ebola.

“After a start marked by technical and financial challenges, our plant is entering a new phase. We are progressively scaling production to better meet the needs of hospitals, health centers, and laboratories fighting infectious diseases, including Ebola.”

— Joël Bisimwa, Manager of the bioethanol production unit

Health sovereignty driven by women producers

In order to produce the bioethanol, large quantities of sugarcane are needed. Behind this production are 300 inspiring women, members of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), mutual aid groups where members save together and extend each other small loans. Supported by Panzi Foundation, these women have access to land and resources which enables them to supply the plant’s raw material.

A diversified economic model

Beyond alcohol and disinfectants, the plant also sells sugarcane juice as well as purified water. Sold locally, these products help diversify the plant’s revenue and meet the community’s everyday needs, while reinforcing economic viability. By securing access to disinfectants for Bukavu’s health facilities, Panzi’s bioethanol plant shows how a locally driven, women-led solution can build lasting health resilience in a region facing crisis.

Panzi plans to expand this program in coming years, with the goal of further economically empowering women, and also strengthening the region’s health sovereignty.