UN officials condemn killing of nurse in DR Congo
A nurse was killed by protesters in Bafwasende, a rural town in Democratic Republic of Congo’s Tshopo province, on Saturday while responding to an Ebola alert.
A health worker was also severely injured in the attack and remains in hospital.
Julien Harneis, UN Senior Ebola Response Coordinator, issued a statement extending condolences to the nurse’s family and colleagues.
"I strongly condemn this attack and call for a thorough investigation," he said. "I urge communities to protect health workers and allow them to carry out their work safely".
A health worker sprays disinfectant for people as they cross the Tchai checkpoint, set up to contain the spread of Ebola virus, between Ituri and North Kivu provinces, in Congo, Friday, October 23, 2026. (Photo: VCG)
The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed his condolences in a post on social media. He also wished a swift and full recovery to the injured health worker.
"Everyone working to protect communities from this deadly disease must be able to work in dignity and safety," he wrote on X. "Healthcare must always be protected."
The attack comes as health authorities continue efforts to contain an Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine.