Voice-over: An Ebola epidemic broke out in northern Democratic Republic of Congo last August. The first virus appeared in a remote area within the Equatorial jungle, namely on the outskirts of Lokolia and Boende.

In order to assist the local authorities, Médecins Sans Frontières deployed teams and opened two treatment centres where 65 people were seen. Nearly half of these people were infected and twelve of them died.
Overall, according to the World Health Organisation, 66 people were affected by the outbreak that killed 49 of them.

Now the epidemic in Congo seems to be under control, the latest confirmed case being reported on October 4th last in Boende. A country can be officially considered Ebola-free after 42 days without any new case.

00:49 CUT: Pepe Mas - 1
(1:15)

Voice -over: Even if the Médecins Sans Frontières teams left the area these past days, the organisation is still collaborating with the authorities and surveillance is ongoing.

1:22 CUT: Pepe Mas - 2
We are especially focused on ensuring an effective, massive response, should a new or potential Ebola outbreak occurred.
Then in this particular case, together with the local authorities, we have tried to ensure an operational treatment centre, until the end of the 42 days. We have supplied medicines and disinfection material to this centre while the people working in it are MoH staff that had worked with us before during the outbreak, so they are already trained (2:00)

Voice-over: In addition to the logistical constraints related to the opening of health facilities in the middle of the Equatorial jungle, one of the main challenges faced during this Ebola intervention has been dealing with populations refusing to accept the risks posed by the virus and the need to protect themselves.

2:14 CUT: Segimon Garcia – 1
As in any Ebola epidemic outbreak, fear of the disease always poses a problem. And besides, there are usually lots of misunderstandings, many rumours and lack of information. (2:31)
Voice-over: The massive outbreak in West African countries got out of control due to several factors. However, the distinct situation with regards to the outbreak in Congo favoured a faster outcome and much more reduced death toll.

2:46 CUT: Pepe Mas – 3(3:15)

LEGENDS:
1)
2 MSF treatment centres: Lokolia (24 beds) and Boende (10 beds)
65 admissions
25 confirmed cases
13 people recovered

2)
Total
66 confirmed or possible cases
49 dead
Data: World Health Organisation - October 28th, 2014