admin | July 31, 2026
In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, broadcaster Kefa Kengete Jean Marie is using radio to help communities understand Ebola, access reliable health information, and take action to prevent the spread of the disease.
Mr. Kengete is the program director at Radio Communautaire Ushirika (RACOU FM), a community radio station serving communities in Rutshuru Territory in North Kivu Province.
Through its programming, RACOU FM shares information about Ebola prevention through a variety of formats, including radio spots, interviews, and local news bulletins. The station works to ensure that listeners receive practical information about the disease and understand the importance of following recommended health measures.
One of the station’s main messages is that Ebola is a real threat that requires everyone’s involvement to stop its spread.
Mr. Kengete says, “Our message to communities is that Ebola exists and that everyone has a role to play in stopping the disease by applying the prevention measures recommended by health experts.”
To ensure that information shared on air is accurate and up to date, RACOU FM works with trusted health sources and follows regular updates on the evolution of the outbreak. The station participates in weekly briefings on the Ebola situation in affected provinces, including Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu.
The station also works closely with local health authorities, including the Rutshuru Health Zone and local health workers. These experts provide health information, participate in interviews, and share updates that help the station develop relevant programs for its audience.
For Mr. Kengete, listener feedback is an important part of the station’s response. Through phone calls and in-person conversations with community members, RACOU FM learns about the questions and concerns people have about Ebola.
Listeners ask questions such as whether the current Ebola outbreak is the same as previous outbreaks, how many Ebola outbreaks the Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced, whether Ebola is being used for financial gain, and how Ebola differs from COVID-19.
Mr. Kengete says, “Broadcasters must be actors who inform and enlighten communities, not create confusion. We must understand the context we work in and use our profession to help save lives.”
The station’s work has helped communities become more aware of Ebola and strengthen prevention efforts. According to Mr. Kengete, some communities have installed handwashing stations in public places such as churches and shops, while more people are applying recommended prevention measures.
However, providing health information in Rutshuru comes with significant challenges. RACOU FM faces difficulties including insecurity linked to conflict, limited resources for awareness activities, lack of support for programming and production, and challenges accessing some areas and experts.
Mr. Kengete also highlights the difficult conditions faced by community radio stations operating in conflict-affected areas.
He says, “Community radios in conflict zones like Rutshuru are facing many challenges. We work with very limited resources and need support from partners so we can continue serving our communities.”
Despite these challenges, RACOU FM continues to play a vital role in ensuring communities have access to trusted information during a public health emergency. Through responsible reporting, collaboration with health authorities, and dialogue with listeners, the station helps communities better understand Ebola and take steps to protect themselves.