Rebuilding community trust after attacks on Ebola treatment facilities in DRC: lessons from previous epidemics

International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2026 Open access

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Authors: Alimuddin Zumla, Jean B Nachega, Francine Ntoumi, Tieble Traore, Sayoki Mfinanga, Dorothy Yeboah‐Manu, Rashid Ansumana, Peter Mwaba, Danny Asogun, Adam Zumla, Mohamed Omer, Moses Bockarie
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2026.108837
Cited by: 9
References: 23

Abstract

Throughout human history, outbreaks of new and known highly lethal infectious diseases have evoked fear, suspicion, anger, and social disruption in communities within country of origin and neighbouring regions. [1] From plague, smallpox to the influenza, cholera Ebola, Lassa fever, Marburg virus disease, and COVID-19, communities worldwide have often viewed health workers, public health authorities, isolation facilities, and burial teams with mistrust and anxiety. Such reactions should not be attributed to ignorance alone.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research Disaster Response and Management Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research

Publication details

Journal / source
International Journal of Infectious Diseases
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
170
Pages
108837–108837
Publication date
29 May 2026
Language
EN