The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has not only claimed lives but has also transformed the way people grieve and bury their loved ones. The current outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, has been devastating, with over 200 deaths in the past few months. This has led to a shift in traditional burial practices, which are now being adapted to prevent the spread of the virus. The Nyamurongo cemetery in Bunia, the epicenter of the outbreak, is a stark reminder of the impact of Ebola. It is bustling with activity, but unlike usual, there are no crowds, ceremonies, or singing. Instead, families are learning how to grieve and bury their loved ones safely, following strict protocols to prevent the transmission of the virus. One of the most significant changes is the practice of washing dead bodies by family members, which is now strongly discouraged. This traditional ritual, where the deceased is dressed in smart clothes and funeral rites can last several days, is no longer feasible due to the risk of infection. Julienne Anoko, an anthropologist with the UN's World Health Organization (WHO), explains that most communities in Ituri believe a dead person needs to look their best as they are 'travelling from one world to the other world - to the world of the ancestors'. However, in the case of someone who has died of Ebola, they must immediately be put in a leak-proof body bag for burial. This has led to the introduction of coffins with transparent panels on the side, allowing mourners to see inside while maintaining infection prevention and control measures. Maria Munoz-Bertrand, public health emergency co-ordinator for the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), emphasizes the importance of engaging with communities closely and making sure they understand the situation. The IFRC volunteers, equipped with full personal protective equipment (PPE), pick up bodies from Ebola treatment centers and transport them to the cemetery. The process is meticulous, with the body placed in a coffin and sealed inside a body bag. This is a delicate balance between respecting the wishes of the family and protecting them, the community, and the volunteers. The most challenging scenario, according to Anoko, has been negotiating the burial of pregnant women. The community believes that a pregnant woman should not be buried with the fetus inside her, needing to 'travel light' into the afterlife. This has led to the removal of the fetus and its separate or joint burial with the mother, which would involve interaction with a lot of fluids, the very agent of transmission of Ebola. Anoko has managed to bridge the gap between communities and healthcare workers, between science and culture, by using her knowledge of their culture to negotiate and make the family accept the unacceptable. However, the road to recovery is still long. Joel Lonza Makumbu, who has buried his father and mother in the past six days, fears he may yet return for a seventh time. He has relatives in treatment centers, and the future is uncertain. The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has not only claimed lives but has also transformed the way people grieve and bury their loved ones. It is a stark reminder of the impact of the virus and the importance of safe burials. As the world watches, the DRC continues to battle the outbreak, with the hope that the lessons learned will help prevent future outbreaks and protect the lives of those affected.
