UNFPA trains Goma health professionals to respond to the Ebola outbreak

Kinshasa, June 18^th, 2026 (CPA).- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has strengthened the capacities of health professionals during the Ebola outbreak in the city of Goma, North Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a statement consulted by CPA on Thursday. “UNFPA has trained frontline maternity health professionals—including midwives, nurses and triage personnel—to ensure the continuity of sexual, reproductive, maternal and newborn health services in the context of an Ebola virus outbreak. Even during an epidemic, life does not stop, and women must continue to give birth safely,” the statement read. According to the source, participants alternated between theoretical sessions and practical simulations over five days, focusing on several priorities, including triage, early identification and reporting of suspected cases, infection prevention and control in maternity wards, the proper use of personal protective equipment, and emergency obstetric and neonatal care in an Ebola context. Maintaining dignified, reassuring and respectful communication with patients was also among the topics covered during the training. With financial support from the United Kingdom, UNFPA is assisting its partners to ensure that the Ebola response is never carried out at the expense of the health of women, mothers and newborns.