World Renew Fights Ebola Outbreak
The latest Ebola-virus outbreak continues to spread across parts of the Great Lakes region in Africa. More than 1,000 confirmed cases in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are now linked to cross-border movement, creating a heightened public-health risk for communities in Uganda, particularly in refugee-hosting and border districts where World Renew works.
Many families in these areas were already facing significant health, displacement, and livelihood challenges before the outbreak began. World Renew and trusted local partners have begun efforts to help communities protect one another and reduce the risk of transmission.
World Renew’s response in Uganda focuses on community-based prevention and trusted communication, recognizing that effective Ebola response depends on local leadership and culturally respectful engagement. Through partnerships with churches, schools, and community groups, World Renew is supporting community awareness through local-language messaging; training church leaders, youth leaders, and volunteers as Ebola-awareness champions; sharing prevention information through radio and public announcements; installing handwashing stations at schools and church compounds; and strengthening early reporting and referral of suspected cases.
Together these efforts help communities take practical steps to reduce transmission risk while preserving dignity, trust, and social cohesion.
“Ebola is first and foremost a public health emergency, and our role is to support communities with accurate information, practical tools, and trusted relationships,” said Garry Mayhew, head of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs at World Renew. “By working through local partners and faith leaders, we are helping families protect one another while reducing fear, stigma, and misinformation.”
By strengthening community awareness and prevention, World Renew is supporting national and regional efforts to limit further spread and to protect people made vulnerable by the outbreak. Please consider donating to help. To learn more, visit worldrenew.ca/ebola-crisis (Canada) or worldrenew.net/ebola-crisis (U.S.).
