The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that transporting the bodies of Ebola victims across communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo is increasing the risk of further spreading the virus.
The agency said the movement of bodies for burial in home villages remains a deeply rooted cultural practice but poses a serious public health risk because people who die from Ebola remain highly infectious. Improper handling of corpses could introduce the virus into previously unaffected communities, making containment efforts more difficult.
According to the IOM, most body movements have so far occurred within Congo rather than across international borders. However, the agency warned that domestic transport alone could significantly expand the geographical spread of the disease if safe burial protocols are not strictly followed. It called for stronger community engagement to encourage safer funeral practices while respecting local traditions.
The latest warning comes as the Ebola outbreak continues to worsen. As of July 14, health authorities had recorded more than 2,000 confirmed cases and about 700 deaths in Congo and neighbouring Uganda. Two-thirds of those deaths occurred outside health facilities, highlighting the difficulty of identifying infections early and ensuring patients receive timely medical care.
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Health experts say early detection, patient isolation, contact tracing and safe burials remain the most effective measures for slowing transmission while research into vaccines and therapies continues.
Aid agencies have also expressed concern that fear, misinformation and mistrust of health workers are undermining the response. In some affected communities, families have hidden sick relatives or conducted traditional burials without notifying health authorities, increasing the likelihood of further infections.
The IOM said it is working with the Congolese government, the World Health Organization and other humanitarian organisations to strengthen surveillance, improve cross-community coordination and support safe and dignified burials. Community leaders and religious figures are also being engaged to help encourage compliance with public health measures without disregarding cultural sensitivities.
The outbreak has already prompted heightened international concern, with neighbouring countries strengthening border surveillance and health screening to prevent cross-border transmission. Health officials warn that unless communities adopt safer burial practices and seek medical treatment earlier, the movement of infected bodies could continue to fuel new chains of transmission, complicating efforts to bring the outbreak under control.
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Emmanuel Abara Benson is a business journalist and editor covering artificial intelligence, global markets, and emerging technology.
He has previously worked with Business Insider Africa and Nairametrics, reporting on finance, startups, and innovation.
His work focuses on AI, digital economy, and global tech trends.
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