Ebola in Ituri: ALIMA’s innovative, integrated approach to the epidemic is delivering tangible results

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Four months into the Ebola outbreak in Ituri province, DRC, ALIMA’s integrated response — treatment centers, rapid diagnosis, community mobilization and clinical research — is delivering tangible, lifesaving results for patients.

Four months after it began, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains gripped by a major health crisis. The Ebola virus disease outbreak (Bundibugyo strain) continues to hit Ituri province hard, the epicenter of the outbreak. As of mid-September 2026, out of over 7,000 confirmed cases nationwide, Ituri accounts for over 5,600. The virulence of the strain has already claimed over 3,400 lives nationwide, including over 2,500 in this province alone, bringing the case fatality rate to 45.6%. In this deeply concerning context, there is still hope, with more than 1,700 people having recovered to date.

An operational, integrated response to Ebola

True to its philosophy of putting the patient at the heart of its work, ALIMA has taken on the logistical challenge of setting up four Ebola treatment centers (ETCs) — Rwampara, CME-Bunia, Nizi and Lita — in just two months. With a total capacity of 239 beds, this strategic network is vital to ensure that patients can receive treatment as soon as the first symptoms appear.

Vue d'ensemble du Centre de Traitement Ebola d'ALIMA à l'Hôpital Général de Bunia en RDC.
©ALIMA — Overview of the Ebola Treatment Center (ETC) at Bunia General Hospital in Ituri, DRC. Established and operated by the NGO ALIMA in response to the Bundibugyo strain, this center provides isolation, triage, and specialized care for patients. (May 2026) ©ALIMA

“The challenge is to change perceptions of the disease, so that Ebola is no longer synonymous with a death sentence”, explains Dr. Rodrigue Alitanou, ALIMA’s Director of Operations.

Beyond medical care, rapid diagnosis is a decisive tool against the spread of the virus. Working closely with the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) to ensure the collection and transport of samples, ALIMA’s laboratory department has significantly reduced the result turnaround time. This responsiveness allows doctors to adjust treatment immediately, increasing patients’ chances of survival and strengthening the overall effectiveness of the response.

Boukar Mamane, responsable infirmière ALIMA, prodiguant des soins à un enfant au Centre de Traitement Ebola de Bunia. — At the Ebola Treatment Center in Bunia (Ituri, DRC), Boukar Mamane, Head of Nursing (RSI) for the NGO ALIMA, provides pediatric care. His work on the ground exemplifies the medical commitment and humanitarian response to the epidemic. (July 31, 2026)
©Elie BIGABA / ALIMA

More broadly, ALIMA’s work is built around several pillars: medical and psychological care for patients, strengthened surveillance, community mobilization, support for health centers on infection prevention, safe patient referral, and rapid intervention by mobile teams in newly affected areas. ALIMA’s approach is holistic: beyond the virus itself, ALIMA’s teams also systematically treat the comorbidities that can worsen patients’ prognosis.

At the same time, ALIMA is helping to prevent the health system from collapsing under the weight of the epidemic. The NGO supplies local health facilities with medicines to guarantee continuity of essential care, thereby protecting those the most vulnerable: children and pregnant women.

A concrete impact on the ground in Ituri

In its ETCs, ALIMA has already recorded over 2,076 admissions, including 848 confirmed Ebola cases. Although the virus has claimed over 333 deaths, more than 661 patients have recovered. These results, achieved through sustained commitment and an established response model, are encouraging.

Bela Yanga et sa fille Miriam Andra Pia avec le Dr Camara Modet d'ALIMA fêtant leur guérison au CTE de Rwampara. — Bela Yanga (66) and her daughter Miriam Andra Pia (30) celebrate their recovery from the Ebola virus at the Rwampara Treatment Center (Ituri, DRC) alongside Dr. Camara Modet of ALIMA. Early and holistic care provided by the NGO ALIMA in collaboration with the DRC Ministry of Health. (June 16, 2026) ©Elie BIGABA / ALIMA

Sept personnes guéries d'Ebola, dont un enfant de 15 mois, faisant le geste la main levée Stop Ebola devant l'hôpital de Rwampara. — Seven patients who have recovered from Ebola, including a 15-month-old child, chant “Stop Ebola” with their hands raised in front of the Rwampara General Referral Hospital (Ituri, DRC). A medical victory led by ALIMA in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the INSP. (June 16, 2026) ©Elie BIGABA / ALIMA

Innovation and research at the heart of the response

Innovation plays a key role in our effectiveness. The Biosecure Emergency Room for Epidemics (CUBEs), designed by ALIMA, are revolutionizing patient care. They offer maximum protection for healthcare workers while reducing social isolation, allowing loved ones to maintain visual contact with the patient. This technology makes it possible to carry out complex surgical procedures and safe births in contaminated areas.

Le Dr Modeste et le Dr François en intervention médicale dans une unité CUBE biosécurisée d'ALIMA au CTE de Rwampara. — Dr. Modeste and Dr. François are treating a patient with Ebola in a CUBE (Biosecure Emergency Room for Epidemics) at ALIMA’s CTE in Rwampara (Ituri, DRC). The transparent walls allow a family member to provide emotional support in complete safety. (June 27, 2026)
©Elie BIGABA / ALIMA

“Through its involvement in the EBO-PEP and PARTNERS clinical trials, ALIMA is also using its response as an opportunity to contribute to scientific progress. “We are actively researching effective treatments against the Bundibugyo strain, as well as prophylaxis solutions for high-risk contacts”, says Dr. Alitanou.

A collective mobilization in the face of a spreading epidemic

Neuf patients guéris d'Ebola célébrant leur guérison devant les partenaires et la délégation de la riposte au CTE de Nizi. — Nine patients who have recovered from Ebola celebrate their discharge from the Ebola Treatment Center (ETC) in Nizi (Ituri, DRC) alongside the national response delegation and partners. This collective success is the result of the medical response deployed by ALIMA. (August 11, 2026)
©Elie BIGABA / ALIMA

While collaboration with the Ministry of Health of the DRC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other organizations has been exemplary, the challenges remain immense. The spread of the epidemic to new areas and provinces calls for stronger community mobilization and additional financial resources to enable ALIMA to maintain its treatment capacity at the highest level.

As the epidemic has not yet reached its peak, ALIMA is calling for continued mobilization. Your support is more essential than ever to help our teams to continue this critical response: As the epidemic has not yet reached its peak, ALIMA is calling for continued mobilization. Your support is more essential than ever to help our teams to continue this critical response: donate now to support the Ebola response.

These Ebola response operations in Ituri are made possible thanks to the financial and technical support of our donor partners, including the European Union, the DRC Humanitarian Fund, Start Fund, and others.