admin | July 17, 2026
When health crises strike, communities need more than information—they need trusted voices they can rely on. During the Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), broadcasters are using radio, podcasts and digital platforms to share reliable information, address misinformation, and support communities.
For Jean Luc Simbilyabo, director and founder of Radio Télé Évangile et Réconciliation (RTER) in Nyankunde, Democratic Republic of the Congo, radio is a tool to protect lives, fight misinformation, and support communities during health emergencies.
Based in Nyankunde, RTER works to promote peace, reconciliation, and community awareness. During the Ebola outbreak, the station is placing public health information at the centre of its programming, sharing practical messages about hygiene, prevention measures, identifying symptoms, and the importance of supporting survivors.
Mr. Simbilyabo says, “Our mission was to put radio at the service of life. We wanted every listener to feel that radio was an ally, a trusted voice during a time of uncertainty.”
According to health authorities, more than 2,000 cases of Ebola virus disease had been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo as of July 13, 2026. Forty-two of the country’s 140 health zones have reported cases, while five provinces remain affected. This situation is impacting not only public health, but also agriculture, trade, livestock farming, transportation, and education.
To ensure that information shared with communities is accurate and reliable, RTER works closely with health authorities, medical professionals and partner organizations. The station used different formats, including interviews with health experts, survivor testimonies, community discussions and live interactive programs where listeners could ask questions and share their concerns.
These conversations helped address fears and rumours that often spread during health emergencies. They also created spaces where communities could better understand Ebola and support people affected by the disease.
Mr. Simbilyabo recalls a survivor who contacted the station to share how radio programs helped his community welcome him back without fear or rejection. He says this experience showed the power of trusted communication to change attitudes and reduce stigma.
Mr. Simbilyabo says, “Radio is not just a media outlet during a health crisis—it is a lifeline. Providing accurate information, staying close to communities and working with experts means contributing directly to saving lives.”
Like many broadcasters working during emergencies, RTER faced challenges, including misinformation, persistent rumours and limited access to reliable information. However, the station continues to see the impact of its work as communities become more informed and stigma against survivors begins to decline.
Mr. Simbilyabo encourages other broadcasters facing similar crises to remain close to their communities. Mr. Simbilyabo says, “Stay close to your communities, share accurate information and collaborate with experts. Your voice can make a difference.”
A group of youth in northern DRC are also endeavouring to ensure their community has the information it needs to slow the spread of the Ebola virus. Since May 2026, the Watoto Radio team has run the Hange na Ebola campaign, which means “Be careful with Ebola” in Swahili.
Ten young communicators are using their phones to record voice messages on WhatsApp. Each message shares information about Ebola prevention and encourages people to take action to protect their communities.
Watoto Radio produced nine podcast episodes featuring young people discussing Ebola awareness and prevention. The episodes are shared through platforms including Facebook, YouTube and TikTok. Watoto Radio also shares these episodes through its network of 17 radio stations across five provinces in DRC, providing broadcasters with additional resources to support their programming.
However, reaching communities has not always been easy. In Ituri province, where some Watoto Radio staff members work, organizing public forums has become increasingly difficult due to insecurity and community mistrust.
A journalist based in Bunia reported that some of her relatives had died during the outbreak and expressed concern that mistrust was preventing awareness campaigns from reaching everyone who needed information.
Despite these challenges, Watoto Radio and the young people involved in Hange na Ebola continue using available communication tools to share important health messages.
Daniel Makasi, Watoto Radio founder, says “The campaign highlights how radio and digital platforms can work together to provide communities with reliable information during health emergencies.”
Find Watoto Radio on Tik Tok: @watotoradio
Photo: Radio Télé Évangile et Réconciliation (RTER)