Susanna Riva On October 29, 2026, the Mongbwalu Ebola center , run by Doctors Without Borders , was the scene of an unusual scene: health workers in protective suits sang and danced to celebrate the discharge of the last hospitalized patient. After months of fear and isolation, the gesture offered the community a glimmer of normalcy and the certainty that the worst wave of Ebola is beginning to lose its grip.
Last discharge from the Mongbwalu Ebola center
The young patient, discharged after two consecutive negative tests, was safely escorted out of the facility. The medical team, still in full medical gear, raised their hands in victory, while Mongbwalu residents watched from a safe distance.
The video of the celebration quickly went viral, demonstrating how a collective response can help reduce the stigma associated with the disease.
The context of the epidemic in Congo
Meanwhile, nationwide data shows that more than 10.060 people have tested positive for the virus since the outbreak was declared in May. Nearly half of these cases have been fatal, making this the deadliest wave in the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In Butembo province of North Kivu, 1.472 Ebola cases and 735 deaths were recorded in the same period (from May to October 22, 2026). The crisis is compounded by an already fragile socioeconomic situation, where displacement, restrictions on movement, and the collapse of daily trade are exacerbating families' vulnerability.
Situation in Mongbwalu and Kitatumba
Two treatment centers were at the center of the intervention: the ETC in Mongbwalu , the epicenter of the latest wave, and the Kitatumba Ebola Treatment Center in Butembo, where patients are separated by plastic barriers to limit transmission. Here, Dr. Kasoki Zawadi was seen sitting on a plastic chair across from her husband, Victoire , separated by a protective window. " We manage to communicate despite the window ," she said, emphasizing the importance of eye contact to maintain hope.
The role of psychological support
Psychological support was integrated from the first day of hospitalization. MSF psychologists conducted individual and group sessions, helping patients and families manage fear , uncertainty, and the wait for test results. Patrice Muyisa Kokotz , head of mental health activities in Butembo, explains: "We offer space to express emotions, share the past, and understand how the ETC works."
From diagnosis to discharge: Victoire's story
Victoire, infected with Ebola, was hospitalized for 13 days before receiving his first negative result, which was followed by a positive result, which prolonged the wait. " When it came back positive, we were exhausted, mentally and physically ," said Kasoki, adding that support from psychologists eased the stress. Only after the twenty-third day of hospitalization, with two consecutive negative tests, was Victoire able to return home. " Kasoki's presence is part of my treatment ," she said, emphasizing how the emotional bond reduces anxiety levels.
After discharge: stigma and reintegration
Once outside the shelter, many survivors face remorse and discrimination from communities who still consider them contagious. Phoebe Zueya Yonkeu , head of mental health activities in Mongbwalu, reports that "many have lost their jobs, have been rejected, and fear they have transmitted the virus to their loved ones." The MSF team continues to organize support sessions to manage post-discharge trauma and promote social reintegration.
Despite the challenges, Victoire's case and the celebration in Mongbwalu demonstrate how a combination of rigorous medical care and psychological support can transform a health crisis into an opportunity to rebuild trust and solidarity.