Assessment of Epidemic Preparedness for Ebola Virus Disease and Hantavirus in the Kokolo Military Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56147/jidpc.3.1.36Keywords:
- Ebola virus disease,
- Hantavirus,
- Military health zone,
- Epidemiological surveillance,
- Infection prevention and control,
- Diagnostic capacity,
- Outbreak preparedness
Abstract
The Kokolo Military Health Zone in Kinshasa, comprising 27 militaries-based health areas, plays a critical role in epidemic preparedness within the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (AFDRC). With the country facing its 17th Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak since May 15, 2026 characterized by high lethality, insecurity and population mobility and with the emerging threat of Hantavirus in confined military environments, strengthening preparedness and surveillance capacities is essential. This descriptive analysis reviews the epidemiological context of EVD and Hantavirus, assesses the current surveillance and response capacities of the Kokolo Military Health Zone and examines preparedness strategies implemented in coordination with national health authorities. Data sources include surveillance reports, laboratory findings and national outbreak response guidelines. The Kokolo Military Health Zone demonstrated strong epidemiological surveillance performance during the 2022-2025 mpox outbreak, with a 25.2% positivity rate among 202 samples tested in 2024. Preparedness for EVD includes community based early warning systems, strengthened collaboration with the National Institute of Biomedical Research (NIBR), maintenance of personal protective equipment stocks and reinforcement of infection prevention and control measures. Hantavirus preparedness focuses on rodent control, environmental sanitation, staff training and integration of Hantavirus into differential diagnostic panels. Persistent challenges include insecurity near Kwamouth, limited diagnostic tools for rare viral strains and declining international funding. Overall, the Kokolo Military Health Zone has a solid foundation in epidemiological surveillance and outbreak response. However, recurrent Ebola outbreaks and the emerging risk of Hantavirus require continuous capacity strengthening, improved logistical readiness and enhanced collaboration with national and international partners to ensure effective preparedness in military settings.
