DRC: When rumors become more dangerous than Ebola, an awareness campaign reminds people of the signs of the disease and the importance of reliable information
DEC-Organization DRC; The Editorial Team
Voir l’article original en français ici..
Faced with the ongoing risks associated with Ebola virus disease, the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Welfare, in partnership with DEC-Organisation, is intensifying awareness efforts through the #StopRumorsStopEbola campaign. The poster highlights the main signs of the disease, including fever, fatigue, muscle and abdominal pain, headaches, unexplained bleeding, diarrhea, and vomiting. The goal is to help communities quickly recognize the symptoms and take the right steps if they suspect Ebola.
This initiative comes at a time when misinformation and rumors continue to be a major obstacle to the fight against Ebola. In many communities, misconceptions, mistrust of health teams, and the spread of unverified information can delay treatment and contribute to the spread of the epidemic. The campaign’s central message is clear: rumors can cost lives when they prevent people from seeking timely medical assistance.
To strengthen community vigilance, organizers urge the public to report any suspected cases and to seek information only from official sources. The toll-free number 151 is available to citizens for obtaining reliable information or reporting a concerning situation. Through this campaign, health authorities and their partners reiterate that the fight against Ebola relies not only on medical care, but also on access to accurate information and the mobilization of every member of the community.
#####