VaccinesWork, Gavi’s media outlet, asked an ALIMA doctor about Ebola treatment centres (ETCs), which are often surrounded by fear and misconceptions. Dr Gabriel Muhehe Tshiwisa, Medical Referent for ALIMA’s Emergencies and Openings Department, spent almost two months in Bunia, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), supporting the outbreak response.
He walks readers through patient care, step by step. Treatment starts on arrival, without waiting for test results. Suspected and confirmed cases are kept apart, and psychologists support patients and their families. There is no specific antiviral for the Bundibugyo virus behind the current outbreak. Teams therefore treat symptoms and closely monitor every complication. ALIMA and its partners are also testing new molecules against this virus.
The doctor also describes the Rwampara centre set up by ALIMA. Transparent partitions let patients see healthcare workers’ faces and stay connected with their loved ones. His main message is about speed: according to him, most deaths involve patients who arrived late.
“I understand that fear. However, effective treatments are increasingly available, so it is possible to recover from Ebola. It is not a death sentence.” (Dr Gabriel Muhehe Tshiwisa, Medical Referent, ALIMA)
“By coming early, you are giving yourself the best possible chance of recovery while also helping protect your family, your community and the healthcare workers caring for you.” (Dr Gabriel Muhehe Tshiwisa, Medical Referent, ALIMA)
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