As Ebola affects survivors of violence, church boosts awareness efforts
- Neelley Hicks
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The outbreak has stalled some activities for survivors of sexual violence due to border closures, according to Bibiche Okala with Harper Hill Global.
By Philippe Lolonga
July 21, 2026 | BUNIA, Congo
The people of eastern Congo in general — and women who are survivors of sexual violence in particular — are going through a difficult time with the resurgence of the Ebola epidemic in Goma, Bukavu, Ituri and Kisangani.
“This epidemic has had a significant impact on victims of sexual violence who are receiving assistance from Harper Hill Global,” said Bibiche Okala, who works on behalf of the agency with survivors of sexual violence in Goma.
“We started with several self-help activities with women who are victims of sexual violence in Goma and Bukavu, such as making soap and fritters, but today there has been a sharp rise in prices due to the border closures,” Okala said.
Harper Global Hill, a nonprofit agency led by the Rev. Neelley Hicks, is assisting The East Congo United Methodist Church with its communication efforts to encourage people to adopt preventive measures. Since first being detected in May, the Ebola outbreak has taken at least 756 lives as of mid-July, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
Dr. Deo Osongo, a physician with The United Methodist Church based in Bunia, said the church has begun awareness campaigns with public service announcements on local radio and television. Bunia is the capital of Ituri Province, which has been hard hit by the epidemic.
Your generosity is making an impact. Because of supporters of Harper Hill Global, the Ebola prevention animation we recently produced with creator Firdaus Kharas is now broadcast on RTNC television in Kisangani, DRC. Every airing extends the reach of life-saving health education to thousands of viewers, helping communities protect themselves and one another from Ebola.
Osongo emphasized that the church must step up awareness campaigns in villages without electricity to curb the spread of the disease, and added that it must train community leaders.
Bunia resident Fatuma Riziki thanked the church for raising awareness about Ebola and noted that people are beginning to practice preventive measures.
In Bukavu, Maman Mbilizi Bonane is also spreading the word through her work as a group leader for women survivors of sexual violence. “We received training on how to combat Ebola,” she said, “and I share this information every time I meet with these women to raise their awareness about Ebola prevention measures.”
Furaha Kiakimwa, a beneficiary of Harper Hill Global’s self-reliance assistance program in Goma, lamented that the Ebola epidemic has added to the suffering of the population
“I used to buy a bag of flour for $40, but now, with the border closures, I’m paying $60 a bag to make my doughnuts,” Kiakimwa said. “I’m deeply saddened by this added suffering, but I’ve made an effort to educate my customers about following preventive measures.”
Dr. Albert Wembakoyi, medical director at the United Methodist Hospital in Kisangani, said he was pleased to see the church raising awareness through TV and radio announcements.
“This will help combat this deadly disease,” he said. “I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Harper Hill Global for this support and call on the people of Kisangani to follow preventive measures.”
Church member Armand Ndjeka thanked the communications department of the denomination’s East Congo Episcopal Area for sharing daily messages on social media. He said he had heard the radio spot and seen the awareness messages on his phone.
The Rev. Henriette Omoy said the Ebola epidemic has worsened the socioeconomic situation due to border closures, even as Harper Hill Global was beginning to offer hope for a better life to survivors of sexual violence.
Omoy thanked Harper Hill Global for its support in communications and advocated for the provision of a handwashing kit to every woman who is a victim of sexual violence to help her protect herself.
Bishop Antoine Kalema Tambwe called on the population to follow preventive measures. In a sermon in Kindu at the Cité Salama Francophone Local Church, he urged all United Methodists to adopt these preventive measures.
“I thank our partner Harper Hill Global, led by Rev. Neelley, for supporting eastern Congo with communication efforts in the fight against Ebola,” the bishop said. “Today, public service announcements are airing on local radio and television stations, so I call for everyone to join this effort.”
Lolonga is a Harper Hill Global correspondent based in Congo.
Your monthly gifts of $25 or more go directly to preventing disease and increasing hope among those who are traumatized by life in this world. Please consider monthly donations, and keep us in your prayers.
Comments