In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a local radio station is taking on a new role beyond broadcasting news — actively fighting dangerous misinformation about Ebola as the outbreak spreads.
A daily 45-minute radio program aired by a station in Bunia, Ituri province, is helping residents understand the disease, hear updates from health experts, and call in with questions. The initiative was launched by journalist Vérité Johnson in response to growing rumors, fear, and resistance in affected communities.
The effort comes as the Ebola outbreak — caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain — continues to spread, with hundreds of confirmed cases and dozens of deaths reported, while response teams struggle with insecurity, displacement, and mistrust.
Health officials say misinformation is making the outbreak harder to control. Rumors circulating on phones and within communities have led some people to avoid treatment centers or distrust health workers, slowing containment efforts.
The radio program aims to counter these beliefs by:
- Explaining Ebola symptoms and prevention
- Hosting medical experts on air
- Allowing listeners to ask questions directly
- Repeating awareness messages throughout the day
According to WHO leadership, misinformation can spread almost as fast as the virus itself and is one of the biggest barriers to controlling the outbreak.
