Five Harsh Realities Facing People in Eastern Congo Amid Ebola Outbreak

Terra Renaissance, a certified NPO based in Kyoto, Japan, dedicated to supporting conflict-affected people in Asia, Africa, and Ukraine (President: Mai Yoshida), announces the latest developments regarding the expanding Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), along with ongoing relief efforts in the region.

Currently, local populations are suffering from multiple simultaneous crises—not only the Ebola outbreak but also over 30 years of ongoing conflict, displacement, collapsed healthcare systems, and lack of access to safe water.

In response, Terra Renaissance continues to implement water supply infrastructure in South Kivu Province. To date, safe water is being delivered through five water points to approximately 2,000 households, benefiting over 13,000 to 15,000 people. Additionally, the organization has launched emergency support measures to prevent further spread of Ebola hemorrhagic fever.

▼ Learn more about handwashing station installations and awareness activities https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000238.000029166.html

Five Harsh Realities Facing People in Eastern Congo

1 Unending Conflict—The Reality of Prolonged Conflict Fueled by Rich Resources

Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is rich in mineral resources such as gold, tantalum, tin, and tungsten—materials essential for smartphones, computers, and automobiles used worldwide.

The convenience of daily life in Japan, and globally, benefits from these abundant resources. However, the lives of people in eastern Congo, where these resources are extracted, remain far from prosperous. Control over these minerals finances armed groups, fueling conflict that has persisted for over 30 years.

In 2024, the security situation in eastern Congo deteriorated rapidly due to offensives by the M23 armed group, forcing many people into displacement once again.

2 Expanding Ebola Outbreak

As of June 24, 2026, 1,094 Ebola cases have been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in 277 deaths.

In Ituri Province, the epicenter of the outbreak, there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments available for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus (Bundibugyo virus) responsible for this outbreak. The outbreak is no longer confined to Ituri Province but is spreading to neighboring North Kivu Province and South Kivu Province, where Terra Renaissance operates, creating a situation that demands urgent attention.

Compounded by worsening security and population displacement, containing the outbreak is extremely difficult.

The impact on children is particularly severe: as of June 19, children and youth accounted for approximately 15% of confirmed cases and over 25% of deaths, with children facing a fatality risk nearly twice that of adults.

3 Lack of Access to Safe Water

Basic hygiene practices such as handwashing are critical in preventing infectious diseases like Ebola.

However, in conflict-affected areas, even accessing safe water is a major challenge. Without water, preventing disease and protecting children’s health becomes impossible.

4 Collapsed Medical and Sanitation Systems

In areas affected by armed conflict, healthcare facilities are unable to function properly.

• No access to medical consultations • Shortages of medicine • Lack of hygiene supplies

Under these conditions, infectious diseases spread rapidly, placing countless lives at risk.

5 Loss of Livelihoods

Movement restrictions due to the outbreak and deteriorating security severely impact people’s daily lives.

• Unable to reach markets • Unable to sell crops • Unable to work

Beyond illness, the realities of being unable to work or eat are pushing many families into crisis.

People in eastern Congo now face not only the risk of losing their lives to Ebola but also the collapse of their livelihoods—unable to work, sell goods, move freely, access treatment, or protect their children.

For families already displaced by conflict, living in poverty with no savings, and lacking access to clean water and healthcare, Ebola is not just a disease but a crisis that simultaneously threatens lives, livelihoods, and dignity.

Emergency Support to Save Lives—How You Can Help

Since 2006, Terra Renaissance has worked for 20 years to build peace in eastern Congo.

To help communities live without relying on conflict minerals that fund armed groups, the organization has supported alternative livelihoods such as dairy processing and beekeeping. It also provides educational support to ensure children can attend school and avoid recruitment by armed groups.

However, since 2024, the situation in eastern Congo has rapidly deteriorated due to M23 offensives, and the current Ebola outbreak has pushed the region into the worst compound humanitarian crisis yet. Saving lives is now the top priority.

● Access to Safe Drinking Water—Establishing "Lifeline Water Points"

Terra Renaissance is continuing to build safe drinking water stations using natural water sources in South Kivu Province as emergency support for people living under conflict. Since autumn 2025, five water supply facilities have been completed and are now operational. These facilities provide safe water to approximately 2,000 households and over 13,000 to 15,000 people.

Access to safe water not only helps prevent Ebola but also protects children from everyday infectious diseases. It also prevents women and children from risking sexual violence by traveling long distances to collect water, thereby safeguarding lives and dignity.

● Hygiene Awareness Campaigns to Prevent Ebola Infection

To directly prevent the spread of Ebola, Terra Renaissance is installing handwashing stations and conducting public awareness campaigns.

Support Our Work to Protect Lives and Livelihoods—Make a Donation

https://www.terra-r.jp/support/donation/

Even today, many people in eastern Congo face life-threatening conditions.

For example, one water facility enables access to safe water for approximately 400 to 500 households (over 2,000 to 3,000 people). The cost to install one water point is approximately 500,000 to 1,000,000 JPY.

Your support directly saves lives and protects livelihoods for people living under conflict. We urge your support for our life-saving activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where a severe humanitarian crisis continues.

▼ Learn more about our work in Congo https://www.terra-r.jp/activity/congo/

For media inquiries and interviews:

Public Relations Office, Terra Renaissance Phone: 075-741-8786 Email: contact@terra-r.jp

Certified NPO Terra Renaissance

Founded in 2001 by Masanari Onimaru with the mission of "realizing a society where all lives can live safely and securely." The organization currently conducts mine and unexploded ordnance clearance support in Cambodia and Laos, supports livelihood restoration in mine-affected areas, and promotes social reintegration of former child soldiers in Uganda, Congo, and Burundi. Domestically, it provides peace education (including training for schools and corporations) and operates the Otsuchi Sashiko project in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture. In 2022, it began supporting refugees in Hungary and Ukraine. Major awards include: Earth Citizen Award (Japan Foundation), Social Contribution Award (Social Contribution Support Foundation), Nikkei Social Initiative International Category Finalist (Nikkei Inc.), 4th Japan SDGs Award Deputy Director-General Prize (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), 52nd Mainichi Social Welfare Commendation (Mainichi Shinkai Tokyo, Osaka, and Western Japan Social Welfare Foundation), 1st SDGs Japan Scholarship Iwasa Prize "Peace Category" (Iwasa Educational and Cultural Foundation), 18th Nishinippon International Foundation Asia Future Grand Prize (Nishinippon International Foundation), 10th Excellent NPO Problem-Solving Award (Citizens' Conference for Promoting Excellent NPOs), and many others. Special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Official Name: NPO Corporation Terra Renaissance Address: jimukinoueda bldg. 403, 21 Horiguchi Karasuma Gokojimachi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture URL: https://www.terra-r.jp President: Mai Yoshida Established: October 31, 2001 (Certified NPO since May 30, 2014) Activities: Support programs in Asia and Africa addressing issues of 'landmines,' 'small arms,' and 'child soldiers,' as well as domestic awareness and education initiatives centered on 'peace education'