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When communities resist: The critical role of risk communication and community engagement in the 2026 Ebola outbreak response

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda has highlighted a persistent but often underappreciated challenge in outbreak response: disease control cannot succeed without community trust. Reports of attacks on Ebola treatment centres, hostility toward health workers and burial teams, and the escape of suspected patients from treatment facilities demonstrate how fear and mistrust can undermine outbreak control efforts. Drawing on lessons from previous Ebola outbreaks, this commentary argues that Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) should be recognised as a core public health intervention rather than a supporting activity. Sustained investment in trust-building, community participation, social science expertise, and community feedback systems is essential for effective outbreak preparedness and response. In Ebola response, trust is not merely a communication objective; it is a lifesaving intervention.

Source: Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health

DOI: 10.37432/jieph-d-26-00180

Authors: Joseph Magoola, Rachel Chelimo, Edgar Ampaire, Derrick Kimuli

Institutions: African Field Epidemiology Network, African Field Epidemiology Network, Clinton Health Access Initiative

Language: English

Topic: Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7167937160

FWCI: 8.025

Cites: 4

Cited by: 2

Related to: 10