In 1976, young Congolese doctor Jean-Jacques Muyembe was sent to a remote village to look into a mysterious illness and found himself confronting Ebola, a deadly virus the world did not yet know.
Just back in the Democratic Republic of Congo after studying in Belgium, he had been called to Yambuku where doctors initially thought they were dealing with typhoid or yellow fever.
He drew blood from a sick nun and sent the sample to Belgium where microbiologist Peter Piot would soon isolate the new virus, later named Ebola after a nearby river.
At the time, Muyembe had little sense of the danger he had exposed himself to.
"When I removed the needle, the blood kept flowing and my fingers were covered in it," he told AFP in Kinshasa.
"We had no gloves, no gowns, no masks as we do today."
Fifty years later, and now aged 84, Muyembe is still on the front line against a virus he helped uncover as the DRC battles its 17th deadly outbreak.
Despite the scale of the crisis, with 808 people infected and 192 killed in the country, according to the World Health Organization, he stressed: "We have always won the battle against Ebola."
- Animals to humans -
The latest outbreak, declared on May 15, has mainly hit the remote, conflict-weary northeastern Ituri province.
Causing it is the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is currently no vaccine or treatment, unlike the more common Zaire strain, against which vaccines were developed in 2018 and 2019.
But "the lack of a vaccine does not mean the battle is lost," said Muyembe, who heads the state-run National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB).
On his desk is a medal and photographs of him with dignitaries, as well as piles of letters from international partners and donors.
He pointed out that the DRC had overcome 15 Ebola outbreaks in the past using public health measures alone, long before vaccines and modern treatments were available.
Muyembe also said he was pleased to see African scientists, once reliant on foreign labs, play a key role in responding to outbreaks on the continent.
Still, health authorities in the DRC have faced criticism this time for delays in detecting the outbreak and in supporting overstretched frontline workers.
In recent weeks, fearing border closures, the government has insisted that the situation is under control.
Also lying on Muyembe's desk is an open file on mpox -- a reminder that Ebola is only one of several threats facing the DRC.
Muyembe believes the crises are linked. The country's exceptional biodiversity, combined with deforestation and climate change, has pushed communities deeper into the forests, and into closer contact with wildlife.
It makes the DRC "particularly vulnerable to epidemics of zoonotic diseases" that pass from animals to humans, like Ebola and mpox, he said.
- 'Greatest risk' -
After the initial 1976 outbreak, Ebola disappeared for nearly two decades, returning in 1995 in the western city of Kikwit, where it appeared as an outbreak of "red diarrhoea".
Drawing on his experience, Muyembe experimented by treating eight patients with blood transfusions from survivors.
Seven of them lived. The sample was small, but the concept laid the groundwork for a line of research that would eventually lead to the development of Ebanga, the first approved Ebola treatment, licensed in 2020.
Now a father of nine and grandfather to many, Muyembe reflected on that first mission as a young graduate freshly returned to the DRC.
Looking back, the virologist said he took "the greatest risk of my life" that day.
"I took part in identifying the virus and in treating the disease," the virologist said. "What more can one do in a lifetime?"
Additional sources • AFP
Read the full article at Africanews →📄Source document: World Health Organization→32 reports
AfricanewsParty-alignedCenter2 days agoHealthcare workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo are facing both the physical dangers of treating Ebola patients and social stigma from their communities. Dr. Jemima Mugisa describes the initial fear within her family when she began working at an Ebola treatment center. While there is no official count of healthcare workers affected by the virus, some have been infected, with at least one fatality reported. The outbreak has already caused over 200 deaths in its first month and is described as the worst known outbreak at this stage.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the Ebola outbreak, including quotes from a healthcare worker and mentions of the number of deaths and cases without apparent ideological framing or biased language. There is no clear emphasis on any particular political stance or agenda.
Official sources cited
- government Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda
France 24 (Français)State / PublicCenter2 days agoIn Bunia, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), healthcare workers are struggling to contain the 17th outbreak of Ebola. The clinic in Bunia lacks adequate equipment and protective measures, leaving staff vulnerable. One worker expressed fear for their life after a colleague died from the disease. A local resident lost her nurse aunt, who worked without proper safety gear. While some medical supplies have been delivered, there remains a significant shortage. Authorities have not disclosed the exact number of healthcare workers who have died since the outbreak began.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on the medical response to an Ebola outbreak in the DRC, highlighting challenges faced by healthcare workers. It presents facts and quotes from individuals affected by the situation without overtly favoring any political stance or ideology. There is no indication of biased word选择
Official sources cited
- statement Healthcare workers in Bunia
- statement Gracia (local resident)
France 24 (English)State / PublicCenter2 days ago Why does Marilyn Monroe still define the 'Ideal Woman'?The article discusses Marilyn Monroe's lasting influence on the concept of the 'ideal woman,' featuring insights from Professor Amanda Konkle. It also mentions the ongoing impact of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly affecting pregnant women.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on cultural analysis and public health updates without taking a stance or showing bias toward any political ideology. The discussion on Marilyn Monroe is framed neutrally, focusing on her cultural impact rather than political implications. The mention of the Ebola outbreak is a f
France 24 (Français)State / PublicCenter2 days ago DR Congo: How are health workers fighting Ebola?France 24 reports on the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), focusing on the efforts of healthcare workers in Bunia, Ituri province, which has become the epicenter of the epidemic. The report highlights the challenges faced by medical staff as they deal with the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in the country's history. As of now, no vaccine is available for this new strain of the virus, and the death toll has already surpassed 200.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about an ongoing health crisis without taking a clear stance or using biased language. It focuses on the situation on the ground and the efforts of healthcare workers without emphasizing any particular political perspective.
Official sources cited
- organisation Image de couverture
France 24 (Français)State / PublicCenter2 days ago DR Congo: how health workers in Bunia are fighting EbolaA reportage from France 24 highlights the efforts of healthcare workers in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo, who are fighting against an Ebola outbreak. The article includes a video report but requires enabling cookies for playback.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on the medical response to an Ebola outbreak, which is a health issue rather than a politically charged topic. It does not present any clear ideological framing or bias in its reporting.
AfricanewsParty-alignedCenter2 days ago Ebola death toll passes 200 in DR Congo from 875 confirmed casesThe Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has resulted in over 200 deaths from 875 confirmed cases, according to the African Union's health agency. The Africa CDC expressed concern over the low progress in contact tracing due to security issues and limited access to certain areas. The Red Cross warned that the outbreak may not have peaked and could last up to a year to contain. The affected regions face additional challenges due to ongoing conflicts and mass displacement.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data on the Ebola outbreak without apparent ideological framing. It includes quotes from officials and organizations such as the Africa CDC and the Red Cross, providing balanced perspectives on the situation. There is no evident bias in language, emphasis, or sourcing.
Official sources cited
- government Africa CDC
- organisation Red Cross
France 24 (Français)State / PublicCenter2 days ago Our correspondents follow the frontline health workers in the Ebola outbreakThe article reports on healthcare workers in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), who are struggling with the Ebola outbreak. The region is heavily affected by the epidemic, and medical staff are feeling increasingly overwhelmed.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on the challenges faced by healthcare workers during an Ebola outbreak without taking a clear ideological stance. It does not present any biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing that would indicate a particular lean.
France 24 (Français)State / PublicCenter3 days ago Ebola in the DRC: in Mongbwalu, the distrust of the population complicates the work of medical teamsThe article discusses challenges faced by medical teams in Mongbwalu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), due to local population distrust complicating efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on logistical and social challenges related to an Ebola outbreak without taking a stance on political issues. It does not present biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing.
AfricanewsParty-alignedCenter3 days ago Veteran Congolese doctor still helping fight Ebola at 84Veteran Congolese doctor Jean-Jacques Muyembe, who played a key role in identifying the Ebola virus in 1976, continues to work on the front lines in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the country's 17th Ebola outbreak. The current outbreak, declared on May 15, is affecting the northeastern Ituri province and involves the Bundibugyo strain, which lacks an available vaccine or treatment. According to the World Health Organization, 808 people have been infected and 192 have died.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of Dr. Muyembe's historical contribution to identifying Ebola and his continued efforts in combating the disease. There is no evident ideological framing, loaded language, or selective sourcing that indicates a political bias. The focus is on medical history, a
France 24 (Français)State / PublicCenter3 days ago DR Congo: at the heart of the first Ebola outbreak in MongbwaluThe article discusses the Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), focusing on Mongbwalu, which was the first epicenter of the epidemic. It notes that despite a month since the official declaration of the outbreak, the response has been slow and challenging. Humanitarian organizations express concern over the situation. Additionally, the article mentions the conclusion of the G7 summit in Évian, where African leaders such as Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and William Ruto were present. There is also brief mention of a football match between the DR Congo national team
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about an ongoing health crisis without overtly favoring any particular political stance or ideology. The content focuses on the challenges faced in responding to the Ebola outbreak and includes references to international events like the G7 summit, but it is,
France 24 (Français)State / PublicCenter4 days ago DR Congo: Ebola outbreak worsening, more than 800 people infectedThe article reports on an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, noting that over 800 people have been infected. The situation is described as worsening.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the number of infections without apparent ideological framing or biased language. It does not take a stance on policy responses or assign blame.
AfricanewsParty-alignedCenter4 days ago Fear of Ebola keeps pregnant women away from hospitals in DR CongoIn the Democratic Republic of Congo, an ongoing Ebola outbreak has caused a decline in prenatal care as pregnant women avoid hospitals due to fears of infection or being placed under observation. At Bénédicte Clinic in Bunia, attendance for prenatal consultations has dropped significantly, from approximately 60 expectant mothers per month to only 10 since the outbreak began. One affected individual, 26-year-old Esther Lutula, who is expecting her second child, stated that concerns over Ebola screening procedures have led her to pause her prenatal care. Her fears were heightened after a family
Bias read (Center): The article presents information without overtly favoring any political side. It focuses on the impact of the Ebola outbreak on healthcare access for pregnant women, citing specific examples and quotes from individuals affected by the situation. There is no clear ideological framing or biased word
Official sources cited
- organisation Bénédicte Clinic in Bunia
AfricanewsParty-alignedCenter4 days ago Rwanda stepping up precautions against Ebola, health minister saysRwanda is implementing public health precautions in response to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), despite no confirmed cases within its borders. The Rwandan health minister emphasized the importance of vigilance, noting concerns over the rapid spread of the virus in the DRC. As of the latest data, 808 cases have been confirmed in the DRC with 192 deaths, while neighboring Uganda has reported 19 cases and two deaths. Although some progress has been made, challenges remain, particularly in the epicenter of Ituri, where new cases continue to emerge. The Red
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about Rwanda's response to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC, citing official statements and WHO data. There is no evident framing bias, loaded language, or one-sided sourcing. The content remains neutral and informative.
AfricanewsParty-alignedCenter5 days ago MSF warns of 'dangerous gaps' in Ebola response in DR CongoDoctors Without Borders (MSF) has raised concerns about inadequate responses to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has resulted in over 180 deaths. Despite increased efforts to contain the outbreak, MSF reports that the actual extent of the crisis remains unknown, with treatment centers in Ituri province being overwhelmed. The World Health Organization has confirmed 782 cases and 181 deaths in the DRC, while 19 cases, including two deaths, have been reported in neighboring Uganda. MSF suggests the real number of infections could be much higher. No known,
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or framing. It quotes MSF directly and includes data from the World Health Organization, providing a balanced view of the situation without taking a clear ideological stance.
France 24 (Français)State / PublicCenter5 days ago DR Congo: 782 confirmed cases of Ebola and two new affected areas, MSF worriesThe article reports on an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), noting 782 confirmed cases and two new affected areas. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has raised concerns over 'dangerous gaps' in the health response, stating that the epidemic is spreading faster than the capacity to address it on the ground. The report includes footage from a hospital in Bunia.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the Ebola outbreak and MSF's concerns without overtly favoring any particular perspective. It does not include biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing that would indicate a clear ideological lean.
Official sources cited
- organisation MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières)
France 24 (Français)State / PublicCenter6 days ago Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo: outbreak of cases worries health authoritiesThe article reports on an outbreak of Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has raised concerns among health authorities.
Bias read (Center): The article does not exhibit any clear ideological framing, word choice, emphasis, or sourcing that would indicate a particular political lean. It simply reports on an outbreak of concern without taking a stance.
AfricanewsParty-alignedCenter6 days ago DRC: Ebola fear grips Bunia as life slows and businesses lose income in IturiIn Bunia, the epicenter of an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, residents are avoiding public spaces due to fears of infection. Businesses such as bars and clubs are experiencing financial losses despite remaining open. Local authorities have implemented measures like hand-washing stations and informational campaigns to curb the spread. According to the Congolese Ministry of Health, there are 782 confirmed cases and 181 deaths, though the actual numbers are likely higher due to delayed detection and incomplete contact tracing. Some residents remain skeptical about
Bias read (Center): The article reports on the economic impact of the Ebola outbreak in Bunia without taking a stance on the situation. It presents facts about the health crisis, business closures, and public response neutrally, without apparent ideological framing.
France 24 (Français)State / PublicCenter7 days ago How is the response to Ebola organized in Bunia, in the Ituri province?In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Ebola outbreak continues to spread in the Ituri province. In Bunia, the response team is working to trace contact cases to limit the spread of the virus.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual summary of the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province and mentions the efforts being made by the response team without showing any particular ideological or political bias. The language used is neutral and does not favor any side or perspective.
France 24 (Français)State / PublicCenter7 days ago The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo brings back memories for Liberian doctor Jerry BrownAn Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo continues to spread, with an increase in cases and expansion into new geographic areas, according to a warning from the World Health Organization. The resurgence has reminded Dr. Jerry Brown, a Liberian doctor who was at the forefront of the fight against the virus during the West African epidemic between 2013 and 2016. He emphasizes that 'Ebola knows no borders' and hopes for greater international mobilization.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC and includes quotes from Dr. Jerry Brown without apparent ideological framing or biased language. It does not take a stance on policy, politics, or ideology.
Official sources cited
- organisation World Health Organization
AfricanewsParty-alignedCenter7 days ago Ebola: DR Congo builds new isolation units as spread continuesSince the outbreak was declared on May 15, there have been 676 confirmed Ebola cases, including 136 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to the World Health Organization.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data from the WHO without any apparent framing or emphasis that suggests a political or ideological slant. The information provided is neutral and does not include subjective language or selective sourcing.
France