Kisangani, November 12th, 2026 (CPA). – Thirty-six (36) community volunteers were trained on Thursday in Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in techniques for the dignified and safe burial (DSB) of victims of Ebola virus disease, has reported the CPA . Divided into three mobile teams of twelve members each, these volunteers are tasked with strengthening infection prevention and ensuring the safety of operations on the ground. “We have trained 36 volunteers, divided into three mobile teams of twelve people. They will be responsible for ensuring the dignified and safe burial of those who have died from Ebola in our province,” has said DrBertrand Lombo, head of the prevention, infection control and EDS pillar of the provincial response. Due to financial constraints, the operational roll-out will take place gradually. An initial team will be deployed as a priority in Kisangani, whilst the other two will be deployed depending on how the epidemiological situation develops and as resources become available. Call to end community resistance Furthermore; the health authorities have expressed regret at the persistence of certain forms of resistance within the population, characterized by a refusal to undergo testing and the handling of bodies – practices which fuel the chain of transmission. “We are asking the public to observe protective measures and follow the advice of the awareness-raising teams. The body of a person who has died from Ebola poses a high risk of infection. Families must avoid touching it and accept the assistance of specialist teams,” has emphasised Dr Lombo.
Organised by the Provincial Health Division (DPS) with financial support from the World Health Organisation (WHO), this training is aimed at community workers on the ground to help curb the spread of the virus during bereavement ceremonies in Tshopo Province.