Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies ‘The volunteers working in the Bunia health sector have been roaming the streets to bring messages regarding the Ebola virus disease: What is this disease? how does it get transmitted and how can we prevent it?’ says Delphin Chanumula, community engagement coordinator for the DRC Red Cross. Chanumula has seen some hopeful signs in communities that once resisted safe and dignified burials. Where there was once skepticism, she sees more people approaching volunteers and asking questions about how to protect themselves. ‘This in the same places where people were blocking volunteers from performing safe and dignified burials.’ This kind of daily presence of people from the affected community, or nearby, is critical to building and maintaining the trust needed to ensure people know how to identify, report, prepare for and prevent Ebola. ‘They are not outsiders; they are part of these communities,’ says Gabriela Arenas Regional, Operations Coordinator for IFRC Africa Region. ‘People know them and trust that they have the community’s best interests at heart, provide vital information, and handle their dead with safe and dignified burials.’ ‘During an Ebola outbreak, trust and community acceptance can mean the difference between containment and wider transmission.’ ‘They need practical, respectful, culturally appropriate support rooted in the realities of their communities,’ adds Arenas. The Red Cross is uniquely placed to support this work through its long-standing presence and trusted relationships within affected communities, combined with a global network of experts. ‘The stigma surrounding this disease is very significant, and the volunteers’ work is essential to debunk the myths surrounding it,’ says IFRC Operations Coordinator Bruno Michon, while working in in Mongbwalu. ‘The DRC Red Cross has been doing exemplary work with and for the community. Thanks to the work of the DRC Red Cross, we will succeed in overcoming this 17th Ebola outbreak.’