Bunia, September 27th, 2026 (CPA).- A call for the integration of male and female sex workers into Ebola virus disease (EVD) prevention and response activities in Ituri Province, northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, was issued Sunday by a sexologist.
“The Government should step up awareness among male and female sex workers about Ebola prevention measures, particularly the precautions to take when a partner shows suspected signs of the disease,” said Daniel Mugisa. The sexologist said that this category of the population is an integral part of the community and should therefore have access to reliable information on the risks associated with EVD and ways to protect themselves against it. Dr. Mugisa recommended that health services and community organizations strengthen outreach activities targeting these individuals, particularly to facilitate referral to health facilities and access to healthcare while respecting their confidentiality and dignity.
He also called for increased training of healthcare providers to ensure respectful, non-discriminatory treatment of this category of society while improving access to information and prevention resources. Addressing male and female sex workers in particular, the sexologist encouraged them to seek medical attention promptly in case of suspected symptoms and not to hesitate to seek assistance from health services. “You are part of our community and you have an important role to play in the Ebola response. Protect yourselves, remain alert to the signs and seek medical attention promptly if there is a problem,” he said. In his view, greater involvement of all components of the community would help strengthen the dissemination of prevention messages and the early detection of suspected cases.