BUNIA, Democratic Republic of Congo – In Bunia, one of the cities at the centre of the recent Ebola outbreak declared by the WHO in May 2026, 18-year-old La Joie Kahindo is trying to rebuild her life after recently losing both of her parents to the Ebola virus.
“I see that I have lost everything. But when I see the few people who are by my side, it gives me strength again,” Kahindo said. “I also tell myself that they are no longer in this world. Even if I spend all my time thinking about them, it will not bring them back or change anything. When I look at my younger siblings, I tell myself that if I spend my days and nights crying, who will be there to comfort them? It is this thought that gives me the strength to carry on, despite the pain I feel.”
While visiting her parents’ grave with her siblings on Tuesday, June 30, Kahindo spoke to her younger sister, trying to explain what happened to their parents.
“Christelle, this is where Daddy is resting. If someone asks you where he has gone, you should say that he is no longer among the living. Don’t say anymore that you don’t know, because I have just shown you his final resting place.”
A Changed Mind and The Wider Crisis
La Joie and her siblings’ uncle, Emmanuel Mugbere, who had initially doubted the existence of Ebola, has since changed his view after the death of his brother and sister-in-law.
“To everyone who still doubts that this disease exists, stop doubting. If someone comes to raise awareness about this disease, please do not ignore them and do not doubt anymore. I am truly very happy to see the children return from the Ebola Treatment Centre in good health. I have no more doubts.”
The region has been struggling to contain the virus, with an ongoing security crisis worsening the situation and hampering access to healthcare and aid.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the number of confirmed Ebola cases has risen to 1,561, including 506 deaths, according to government data released on Sunday, July 5.
Source: Reuters
