Scouts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo bring Ebola prevention to their communities

When Ebola reached North Kivu in June 2026, Scouts in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were already training for emergencies. They moved quickly from learning to action. Since then, Scouts in Butembo and Mangina have reached 1,600 people through Ebola prevention campaigns, handwashing demonstrations, and public clean-ups. The work is part of World Scouting’s Humanitarian Action Education project, led locally by the Fédération des Scouts de la République Démocratique du Congo.

Mangina was the centre of the 2018 Ebola outbreak, so prevention matters deeply to the community. Scouts installed a permanent handwashing station at a Catholic parish that once hosted an Ebola treatment centre. It will help people keep up good hygiene habits long after the campaign ends.

In Butembo, Scouts took their message to public spaces. They explained how Ebola spreads, how to prevent it, and what to do when someone shows symptoms. Scouts in Bunia also shared prevention messages in public markets, as the Associated Press documented.

Alongside the response, 30 Scouts in Butembo were trained in emergency and disaster preparedness, helping people in need, and child protection. The child protection sessions covered how to prevent armed groups from recruiting children and how to report concerns. Through discussions, role-play, and practical exercises, the Scouts built skills to support their communities. The trained Scouts reached a further 160 people with their own awareness activities.

Ebola remains a threat, and the Scouts’ work continues. The Fédération is strengthening its work with the government to support the national Ebola response. It is also exploring partnerships with the United Nations Children’s Fund and Doctors Without Borders to improve healthcare, share technical knowledge, and support communities directly.