Fellow Nurses Africa | 05 September | Lagos, Nigeria
Fellow Nurses Africa Emergency Alert
The Democratic Republic of Congo has declared a new Ebola outbreak in Kasai Province, marking another critical moment for African healthcare systems. With 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths reported as of September 4, 2025, including four healthcare workers, this outbreak demands immediate attention from our nursing community.
The Reality on the Ground
The Zaire strain of Ebola confirmed in laboratory tests shows a concerning 54% fatality rate, highlighting the virus’s continued deadly nature. What should alarm every healthcare professional is that healthcare workers are already among the casualties – a glaring reminder of our frontline vulnerability.
Cases span two areas: 14 deaths in Boulapé and 1 in Mweka, suggesting potential community transmission that could rapidly expand without proper containment measures.
Why This Matters to African Healthcare Workers
This outbreak isn’t just another statistic. It’s a call to action for our profession across Africa. Healthcare workers remain the backbone of outbreak response, yet we continue to face the highest risks. The four healthcare worker deaths already recorded underscore the urgent need for:
- Enhanced protective protocols in all healthcare facilities
- Immediate access to personal protective equipment
- Strengthened infection prevention training across all levels of care
What Needs To Be Done Now
The WHO has deployed experts and emergency supplies, but history teaches us that local healthcare capacity determines outbreak outcomes. As nurses, we must advocate for robust support systems, demand adequate protection, and ensure our communities understand transmission prevention.
This outbreak serves as a critical reminder: investment in healthcare infrastructure and frontline worker protection isn’t optional – it’s essential for continental health security.
Fellow Nurses Africa stands with our Congolese colleagues. Stay informed, stay protected, and continue advocating for the resources our communities deserve.
Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nurses. We educate, inform and support the nursing profession.
