Funeral traditions in DRC complicate Ebola outbreak response

When deep rooted cultural traditions clash with epidemiological safety requirements, the price of compromise is measured in human lives. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the Ebola outbreak has already claimed dozens of lives, ancient burial rituals are becoming a deadly factor in the spread of the virus. Families, wishing to honour the deceased, demand that bodies be transported to their ancestral villages, unaware that this gesture of respect could spark new infections. Local authorities face a difficult choice: respect traditions or stop the deadly disease at all costs.

In Beni, which lies at the epicentre of the outbreak, a large number of Ebola deaths occur outside hospitals, making contact tracing and containment extremely difficult. Families often request that bodies be taken to their home villages for traditional burial — a sign of deep respect for the deceased. But during an epidemic, this practice becomes lethal, as the Ebola virus remains highly contagious even after death through contact with bodily fluids. "During an outbreak, the risk is extremely high. Authorities have declared the 17th Ebola outbreak and introduced measures restricting the movement of bodies between health zones, regardless of the cause of death. Every death must be investigated and tested before the body is released," said Michel Tosalisana, head of the Beni health zone.

Despite strict regulations, many families continue to insist on transporting bodies to their home villages. In Beni, safe burial teams receive reports of new deaths every day. Their job is to prepare the bodies of suspected or confirmed Ebola victims for burial while following all precautions, but they often face resistance from grieving relatives. "The precautions our teams take during epidemics include wearing full personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of team members," explained Jean Paul Kapitula, head of the dignified and safe burials unit.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that the movement of people between regions could accelerate the spread of the virus. According to the agency, nearly two thirds of Ebola deaths occur outside health facilities, complicating surveillance and contact isolation efforts. The IOM reported that it has already intercepted 105 bodies at checkpoints while attempting to cross health zones. Without full community cooperation on safe burials, the agency warns, containing the virus will remain a major challenge.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been facing Ebola outbreaks since 1976, and the current epidemic is the 17th on record. Experience from previous years has shown that public trust and adherence to sanitary measures, especially regarding burials, are key to success in fighting the virus.

As CCTV+ reports. Health workers and authorities continue to engage with communities through awareness campaigns, but overcoming centuries old traditions requires time and sensitivity — luxuries that an epidemic often does not allow.