Bulape —The Democratic Republic of Congo has inaugurated a new Ebola treatment centre in Bulape health zone in Kasai Province, further consolidating efforts to ensure effective control to the ongoing outbreak. 

Established with support from World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, the 32-bed facility reinforces safe and efficient clinical care. Half of the bed capacity each caters for suspected Ebola and confirmed cases, but the configuration can be altered depending on the epidemiological situation. Its design minimizes the risk of staff exposure while ensuring dignified care for patients, including individual rooms with sanitation facilities. 

“I am pleased to inaugurate this facility, which demonstrates the determination of the government and all partners to strengthen the resilience of the healthcare system and protect every Congolese against the threat of infectious outbreaks. We will continue, with our partners, to deploy similar facilities in high-risk areas,” said Dr Roger Kamba, Minister of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

The treatment centre builds on more than a decade of lessons from Ebola and Marburg outbreaks across the African region. It represents a safer and more sustainable model of care, designed to meet international standards while adapting to the realities of remote and resource-limited settings. 

“The establishment of the treatment centre reflects the power of partnership and innovation in protecting lives. It strengthens the country’s ability to respond rapidly and effectively to outbreaks, while building the trust of communities who are at the heart of the response,” said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

The facility also incorporates an innovative water, sanitation and hygiene system, with permanent storage of over 20 000 litres supplied from a protected source 1.2 kilometres away. A dual water network guarantees safe drinking water and enables effective disinfection of high-risk areas, an essential safeguard for infection prevention and hygiene. 

WHO and partners have since the declaration of the outbreak on 4 September 2025 intensified and strengthened response efforts to control and end the outbreak. 

So far, 64 cases (53 confirmed and 11 probable), including 43 deaths, have been recorded in Bulape and surrounding health zones. No new cases have been reported since 25 September.