Former combatants in Ituri lead Ebola prevention campaign with MONUSCO support

In Tchomia, a town about 65 kilometres south of Bunia in Ituri Province, a community‑based Ebola prevention effort has been launched with the backing of MONUSCO’s Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Stabilization Section (DDR‑S). Thirty‑two mobilizers, 27 of whom are former combatants benefiting from the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme (P‑DDRCS), have received specialised training on prevention measures, early case detection and community awareness techniques. They are now visiting high‑traffic sites such as the central market, town centre, restaurants and an animal‑feed production facility to educate residents about handwashing, symptom recognition and the importance of reporting suspected cases to health authorities. In parallel, a vocational training programme will soon be offered to 233 beneficiaries—including 87 former combatants, 146 community members and 66 vulnerable women—focusing on modern methods for processing animal feed for fish farming, poultry and other livestock. The goal is to create local economic opportunities, reduce reliance on expensive imports from neighbouring countries, and encourage environmentally friendly fishing practices. By engaging former combatants in public health and economic activities, the initiative demonstrates a model of reintegration that promotes community service, civic responsibility and stability in a province that faces ongoing security and health challenges.