Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe, known as the 'Ebola hunter,' has dedicated over four decades to combating the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His efforts have led to significant progress, including the development of the monoclonal antibody treatment EBANGA, which has been approved by the U.S. FDA. Muyembe's work has earned him international recognition and numerous awards. Despite his achievements, he remains focused on building research capacity in the DRC to tackle future health challenges.

In the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, displaced individuals, including Pirache Torashi, are learning new skills such as soap making and tailoring at the Kigonze camp to achieve self-sufficiency. The camp, which houses 20,000 people, has been a refuge from militia attacks. Despite ongoing violence and low funding, the UNHCR is focusing on helping the displaced become more self-reliant. Torashi, who lost her husband and two children to the conflict, is optimistic about using her new skills to support her family and secure their future.

More than four months after Mount Nyiragongo's eruption in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, thousands of internally displaced persons remain in makeshift camps, facing dire conditions. The eruption caused over 30 deaths and significant destruction, leading to the displacement of over 7,000 households. Victims, such as Benedicte Chibalonza, a widowed mother of 10, are struggling with unemployment and food scarcity. The UNHCR is providing rent assistance and has promised to build homes, but the need is overwhelming. Aid groups are concerned about disease outbreaks, and there are allegations of theft by camp managers. Despite these challenges, organizations like CARITAS and Eleza DRC are working to raise awareness and improve conditions for the displaced.

A widely shared Facebook video showing a white man being beaten by four uniformed men at an ENGEN gas station was falsely claimed to be from Burundi. Congo Check contacted Burundi's Ministry of Communication, local residents, and the ENGEN station to trace the video's origin. The multimedia content was not from Burundi, as confirmed by government communication head Willy Nyamitwe and photo-journalist Fikiri Nigibira, who noted that ENGEN stations in Burundi had been sold to Interpetrol four years prior. Pesa Check, a fact-checking network based in Kenya, confirmed with ENGEN's external communication manager Gavin Smith that the incident occurred in Windhoek, Namibia, in January 2017.

Congolese journalist Gaël Mpoyo faced death threats and was forced into exile after releasing a documentary on violent evictions linked to former president Joseph Kabila in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite promises of safety from the new president, Félix Tshisekedi, Mpoyo continued to receive threats, leading to further displacement. The documentary, 'Mborero: Might is Always Right,' exposed the violent eviction of approximately 3,000 residents and highlighted the dangers faced by journalists in the region. Press freedom organizations have called for protection, but the threats persist, impacting Mpoyo's ability to work and live safely.

Congolese journalist Gaël Mpoyo faces death threats and is forced into exile for his 2018 documentary on violent evictions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, allegedly linked to former president Joseph Kabila. Despite international calls for protection, Mpoyo and his family continue to receive threats, leading to multiple relocations. The documentary, which exposed the forced eviction of approximately 3,000 residents, remains online despite the risks. Mpoyo advocates for press freedom and the safety of journalists in DR Congo.

An image of a rusty pipe circulating on social media with claims that it belongs to Regideso in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is false. Congo Check's investigation reveals that the image has previously circulated in Cameroon and Thailand, debunked by various fact-checking organizations. The pipe in question was identified as belonging to the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority in Thailand, and the misinformation has been addressed multiple times since 2016.

The article clarifies that the end of the tenth Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will not be declared on June 10, 2020, despite previous statements. Nicolas Mouly from ALIMA had indicated the end date based on a 42-day countdown without new cases, but this was corrected by Congo Check after consulting the Ministry of Health and WHO. The article also discusses the case of a fugitive Ebola patient, Grâce Muyisa, whose status remains unknown but has not impacted the epidemic's containment efforts. The official declaration will be made after the observation period concludes without new cases.

Social media claims attributing the development of the Covid-Organics remedy to Congolese researcher Jérôme Munyangi are false. Malagasy officials, including the presidency, the Ministry of Health, and the IMRA, deny his involvement. The remedy, presented by Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina, was developed by IMRA researchers using endemic plants and Artemisia. Munyangi, currently in exile in France, has not officially claimed credit for the protocol and has clarified his position on social media.

In eastern DRC, the simultaneous challenges of managing both the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic are exacerbating the region's public health crisis. Health workers and organizations like WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are adapting their strategies to address both diseases, despite limited resources and significant logistical challenges. Community fear and confusion about COVID-19, compounded by existing stigmas from Ebola, are prevalent. Economic strain due to movement restrictions and border closures is impacting local businesses and the overall response effort. Despite these difficulties, the region benefits from existing health infrastructure and expertise developed during the Ebola response, which may aid in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Solange, a young woman from eastern Congo, works in the mines digging for coltan, a key metal used in electronics. Despite her education, she faces exploitation and was sexually abused by her boss. Child labor is prevalent in the coltan mining industry, which is linked to human rights abuses similar to Africa's blood diamonds. Amnesty International highlights the suffering of teenagers like Solange and urges tech companies to ensure ethical sourcing of minerals. Solange, now a widow and mother, hopes to one day leave the mines and start her own business.

Christine Masika, a resident of Butembo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, expresses deep mistrust towards health workers, accusing them of prioritizing personal gain over combating the Ebola outbreak. The article highlights the frustration and lack of trust among local communities, with calls for better engagement and communication in local languages. The Ebola response has been criticized for not adequately preparing or involving the community, leading to resistance and continued spread of the virus. The outbreak has also provided employment opportunities, which some fear may reduce the urgency to end the crisis.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is escalating, with over 1,340 cases and 874 deaths reported. Distrust in health workers and violent attacks on treatment centers are exacerbating the crisis. The government and international agencies face significant challenges, including community engagement and logistical issues. Efforts to integrate Ebola care into general health facilities and the deployment of experimental vaccines are ongoing, but community distrust remains a major obstacle. The situation is further complicated by political decisions and the presence of armed groups in affected areas.