BUKAVU, May 22, 2026 – During a press conference held on May 19, 2026, Panzi General Hospital shared its rapid response and contingency plan in anticipation of potential Ebola cases. While most of the suspected and reported cases are in Ituri, one case has now been reported in South Kivu, 50 km from Bukavu.

In this context, several concrete measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of patients, staff and, community activities. To date, the following measures have been announced:

  • The creation of a designated area within the hospital for the potential management of suspected or confirmed cases;
  • The provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure the safety of staff and our patients;
  • The organization of staff awareness sessions regarding protocols for prevention, early detection, and case management;
  • The strengthening of specific health and safety protocols for our teams’ travel to rural areas, particularly in the context of mobile clinics and community-based activities.

Panzi’s response and contingency plan is coordinated by Dr. Aline Byabene and supported by Dr. Parvine Basimane, two experienced infectious disease specialists who have been actively engaged in the fight against and management of pandemics since COVID-19 and, previous outbreaks of the Zaire strain of Ebola.

Dr Joyeux Bwami, who spoke earlier this week, called upon the residents of Bukavu, as well as those of the South Kivu province, to promptly report any suspected cases of Ebola observed within the community.

Recalling the chain of transmission, Dr. Parvine Basimane cautioned around respecting barrier measures: “We must avoid any contact with patients’ bodily fluids, refrain from handling the bodies of suspected cases, and promptly report any person showing symptoms. It is critical to raise awareness about prevention methods.”

The current security situation in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu is creating a particularly conducive environment for the resurgence and rapid spread of epidemic diseases, especially the Ebola virus disease. Panzi Hospital has already faced critical cases, particularly during the management of severe COVID-19 cases throughout the pandemic. In response to this resurgence, our teams anticipate significant challenges, especially regarding the transportation of samples collected in the east to the capital, Kinshasa.

For any media inquiries, please reach out to media@panzi.org.

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About Panzi Foundation
Panzi Hospital and Foundation provides survivors of sexual violence with access to compassionate, holistic care in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At Panzi, survivors receive comprehensive health services, psychosocial support, job-skills training and socio-economic reintegration opportunities, as well as access to legal services. Since 1999, Panzi has served over 87,000 survivors across the country, empowering them to not only survive, but to thrive as they rebuild their lives.