In Bunia, the epicenter of the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, two artists recorded songs to raise awareness among the population about the need to stop the spread of the virus.
More than a hundred people have succumbed to the Ebola virus less than a month after authorities declared an outbreak in eastern Congo, a tragic toll as officials redouble their efforts to curb the spread of the disease, the emergence of which was detected several weeks late.
"We're going to sing to raise awareness. That's basically what we're doing, because we believe everyone listens to music, and it's through music that we can raise awareness," said Sarah, from the band Wedy.
Everyone must take the necessary precautions and follow the advice of doctors, that is to say, take the necessary measures to protect themselves," added slam poet Musa Tabaro Ghislain.
After a recording session, the duo went to a market to discuss with traders and customers the health measures to be respected.
Attacks on health workers by angry residents, skepticism from some residents and armed conflicts in sensitive areas continue to undermine efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak declared on May 15, caused by a severe form of the disease.
Of the 550 cases confirmed on Sunday, there were 101 deaths and 19 recoveries, according to the latest situation report published Monday evening.
The epidemic is concentrated in the province of Ituri, in eastern Congo, which accounts for more than 90% of the cases.
Cases have also been reported in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, and the disease has spread across the border into Uganda.
However, it is estimated that the number of cases in Congo is higher, as the epidemic was only confirmed several weeks later and the contact tracing coverage rate, although it has improved in recent days, is still only 64%.
