The Catholic Diocese of Goma Issues Ebola Prevention Measures

In a communiqué issued Monday, May 18, the Chancellor of the Congolese Episcopal See said Bishop Willy Ngumbi Ngengele had directed that all Catholic communities in the Diocese observe strict preventive measures aimed at limiting the spread of the deadly virus. “Given that the Ebola virus hemorrhagic fever epidemic has been declared a ‘health emergency,’ the Diocese of Goma recommends that all parish, priestly, and religious communities observe preventive measures,” Fr. Christian Kisonia said.

Among the measures announced are avoiding physical contact with persons showing Ebola symptoms, frequent handwashing with soap or the use of hand sanitizers and avoiding contact with bodily fluids. Fr. Kisonia also urged the people of God to report any suspected Ebola cases to the nearest health facility.

In the communiqué, the Chancellor said handwashing before Holy Mass “is mandatory” for all worshippers, directing parishes to prepare washbasins with chlorinated water and soap for use by the faithful. “Washing before Mass is mandatory for all the faithful,” Fr. Kisonia emphasized. He further directed communities to limit visits from outsiders until further notice as part of efforts to contain the outbreak.

The DRC is facing a fresh Ebola outbreak linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak on May 15 after several deaths were reported in Ituri Province. Health officials say investigations and contact tracing are ongoing, and there is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for the Bundibugyo strain. On May 16, WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), citing risks associated with cross-border movement, delayed case detection, weak health systems, and insecurity in eastern Congo. 

The latest outbreak has equally spread to neighbouring Uganda, forcing the government to postpone the 2026 Martyrs’ Day. Uganda’s Catholic Bishops have urged the people of God in the East African nation to continue commemorating the Uganda Martyrs in prayer and unity. “Although the national gathering at Namugongo has been postponed, dioceses and parishes are encouraged to celebrate the day with the guidance of the Diocesan Bishop and the relevant Government authorities,” members of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) have said.

Jude Atemanke – ACI Africa