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BENI, Democratic Republic of the Congo – When Jemima Masika, 26, lost her parents to Ebola in August, she thought the deadly virus was a myth. She then became ill herself.
"I did not believe in the existence of the Ebola virus," she said. "Like many, I took the disease for a [story] composed of politicians. "
The Democratic Republic of Congo is no stranger to Ebola. This is the tenth Ebola outbreak in the country, but it is the first time that the densely populated province of North Kivu, an active conflict zone, is affected.
Ms. Masika contracted the illness by taking care of her sick aunt.
"I was helping my aunt and she was vomiting a lot. I had to clean up after her a few times. Then, after that, I started to feel bad. I had the same clinical signs as my aunt's, "she explained.
When Ebola strikes a conflict zone
The epidemic began in August and affected the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. More than 800 cases have been identified and more than 500 people have died.
Women and girls, as traditional caretakers of the sick, face an increased risk of exposure. According to the World Health Organization's latest report on the epidemic, about 58% of Ebola cases were women.
And the impact of Ebola extends well beyond the infected people.
The proven health care systems have left many without access to life-saving services, including badual and reproductive health care.
UNFPA is working with partners to prevent the spread of the virus and to ensure that badual and reproductive health services remain available. In September, UNFPA donated 10 tons of medical equipment to 20 health centers in Beni, enough to help 31,000 people for 6 months.
These supplies included supplies for women to give birth without risk of contracting the disease. UNFPA also helps midwives to be cautious when caring for mothers and newborns.
But efforts to cope with the epidemic have been hampered by instability in the region, which has put the humanitarian teams at significant risk.
Mistrust of the community has also been a problem. To address this problem, UNFPA has provided the community with information about the virus.
"We are providing a comprehensive response to the Ebola outbreak, which includes awareness-raising actions aimed at providing communities with essential information for preventing and controlling the disease," said Sennen Hounton, UNFPA Representative in the country.
A long recovery path
"We were told about Ebola and what to do if you felt certain symptoms. So, as a precaution, I went to the Ebola treatment center, "said Ms. Masika.
She was quickly diagnosed with the Ebola virus and admitted to treatment. "I was so scared of dying and being put in a body bag, as were my parents," she said.
She was bedridden for a month. "The nurses and the doctors were fighting to save my life."
Finally, she recovered.
Few people expected her to get away with it. "I found out that my family gave all my belongings, thinking that I would not heal," she said.
Upon her release, Ms. Masika received a UNFPA Dignity Kit, which contains essential hygiene supplies. Hygiene plays a vital role in preventing the spread of the virus.
"To cure Ebola, I am committed to helping others by making them aware of how they can comply with the rules of hygiene, including washing their hands to protect themselves from the disease," said Ms. Masika.
Vaccines, motorcycles and football
More than 77,000 people have been affected by a mbad vaccination campaign since August. UNFPA provided materials for this effort, including 10,000 syringes.
UNFPA also helped to strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene services in affected areas and provided more than 50 motorcycles and software to facilitate contact tracing – the surveillance of persons who have been in contact with infected persons.
And UNFPA sponsored a football tournament, theatrical activities and a walk of more than 1,000 students, all supporting the Ministry of Health's "Ebola not home" awareness campaign.
– Aimee Manimani with the reports of Brigitte Kiaku
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