Microboard, Napatech aid Ebola response in eastern Congo

Microboard and Napatech are supporting emergency Ebola response efforts in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, after an outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain was declared a global health emergency. The aid is focused on clean water, protective gear and public health messaging as cases and deaths climb. Why it matters: - The Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is driving urgent humanitarian and public health needs in Bunia and surrounding communities. - The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain, which is considered especially deadly. - Faster access to clean water, masks and protective supplies can help reduce spread in crowded areas and displacement camps. What happened: - On Friday, May 15, an Ebola outbreak was announced in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. - The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. - Microboard mobilized funds immediately to support clean water, masks, protective supplies and other urgent needs. - Napatech, a Denmark-based technology company, donated $5,000 to the Ebola response. - The epicenter was identified as Bunia, where Microboard-supported humanitarian missions Rebuilders and Compassion Ministry are headquartered. The details: - Lee Cantelon, Microboard’s director of humanitarian missions, was in Nigeria when the outbreak was announced and was in direct contact with the two Bunia missions. - A clean-water borehole was drilled at the Rebuilders center in less than 24 hours. - Microboard said the borehole set a new record in its 15 years of clean water development and installation work. - Rebuilders and Compassion Ministry have been distributing clean water, masks, protective gear and hygiene supplies. - The two missions have also been raising awareness about safety methods in Bunia’s city center and in crowded internally displaced persons camps across the region. - The Rebuilders FM radio station has become one of the main broadcasters of public safety messages across Ituri Province. - The public health messaging is aimed at reaching as many people as possible with lifesaving information. - At the time of the post, the outbreak had more than 670 confirmed cases and more than 136 confirmed fatalities. Between the lines: - The rapid response shows how small, local humanitarian networks can move faster than larger aid channels when time is critical. - The focus on water, hygiene and communications suggests the response is aimed at both immediate containment and community-level prevention. - Concern about the outbreak has been amplified by late detection and by the severity of the Bundibugyo strain. What’s next: - Microboard said it will continue monitoring the situation closely and stay in direct communication with its Bunia teams. - Rebuilders and Compassion Ministry are expected to keep distributing supplies and broadcasting prevention messages as the outbreak evolves. - Continued donor support could determine how quickly emergency aid reaches vulnerable communities.