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Democratic Republic of Congo: Ebola

Answer

The UK has been a major supporter of the response to the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC since it began in August 2018. Community engagement remains one of the most important factors that will help end the outbreak and strengthening this aspect of the response is a key part of the ongoing ‘reset’ pushed for by the UK and other partners. The response, led by the Government of DRC with international support directed by the UN, is increasingly working with religious leaders to help foster community trust and ownership. On top of our wider financial, technical and political support to the response, UK Aid is funding anthropological research into community dynamics in affected areas, which is helping response partners strengthen their engagement with communities, including faith leaders.

The Secretary of State for International Development met with faith leaders (both Christian and Muslim) in Butembo during his recent visit to eastern DRC. He also recently discussed the outbreak with the Archbishop of Canterbury, whose insights were incredibly valuable, while officials continue regular dialogue with a number of UK-based faith groups on the issue.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

278890

Session

2017-19

Subjects

Ministers of religion Democratic Republic of the Congo Ebola

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk