The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is on track to become the deadliest on record. There are more than 5,000 confirmed cases, and 2,378 have died. The highly contagious and often fatal disease is thriving amid ongoing violence between rebels and the Congolese government, which has caused a major displacement crisis and enabled the disease to rapidly spread.
An Unending Refugee Crisis
For many months, assisted ministries in bordering Rwanda and Burundi have struggled to serve the influx of DRC refugees who fled their homes due to violence. Now, the Ebola situation in the DRC has caused significant complications for those attempting to flee their homeland.
“Refugees from Congo crossing the Rwanda border are coming in large numbers,” a ministry leader in Rwanda said. “But because of the Ebola outbreak in the DRC, the situation is not easy at all. Once they cross the border, they are given a quarantine of 21 days and checked before they are permitted to go to the refugee camps.”
“Many people are dying without adequate care. This is both a health and spiritual crisis.”
In Burundi, a ministry leader stated there is an urgent shortage of basic medical supplies, protective gear, disinfectants, and medicines. “The outbreak has spread beyond original areas, nearer to the borders where our ministry works,” he said. “Many people, especially in unreached communities, are dying without adequate care. This is both a health and spiritual crisis.”
You Can Help Refugees in Rwanda and Burundi
You can assist ministries with a donation today as they work with refugees who have fled the DRC among the country’s ongoing crises. And please pray for all those serving and suffering. As the Rwandan ministry leader said, “As we continue this ministry, we thank God that we are still able to meet them in their desperate situations. We are truly in need of your prayers and support. May God bless you so much.”
