A month into the Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the situation remains critical as infections and deaths continue to rise. The spread of the disease is placing an immense strain on an already fragile health system. Hundreds of teams from Médecins Sans Frontières are supporting the response by setting up treatment centers, strengthening surveillance, and informing communities.

However, Ebola is not the only health emergency in the region. Malnutrition, malaria, measles, and lack of access to essential care were already widespread before the outbreak. The epidemic is worsening this situation by disrupting health services, reducing access to medicines, and discouraging people from seeking care due to fear of infection.

In this video, Dr Maria Mashako, MSF medical Coordinator, explains why, in the emergency response carried out against Ebola, MSF teams are also supporting health facilities to remain safe for both patients and staff through training, supplies, and prevention measures. Maintaining routine healthcare—alongside controlling Ebola—is essential. Without it, the indirect consequences on communities can be just as devastating as the outbreak itself.