June 3, 2026.

EBOLA is not new to Congolese. In fact, there was an epidemic in and around Beni a few years ago. Goma, about 200 miles south, geared up, did enormous awareness campaigns, handwashing stations at bus terminals and anywhere people gathered. People were very conscious of the need for hygiene. There was no spread of the virus in Goma during that time. Then came COVID, and again awareness, hygiene messages went out… With many people squeezed into the city for safety, and less economic activity because of the conflict that still rages around the outskirts of the city, malnourished people are more vulnerable than ever. When three of the people they knew died, from hunger, AGIR’s response was to start brunch for the children of those who were coming to learn. In Goma today at AGIR there are handwashing stations, there will be awareness campaigns with megaphones, radio dramas, and videos on social media to remind people of what they’ve already known. Class sizes at the Lac Vert Training Center are reduced; schedules changed. People who brought their children to the center will take food home instead. They know they can’t depend on large international organizations coming in to help. They know they are on their own and need to do what they can with what they have in hand. They can do it because of the donations they get through ACT for Congo, from you! Thank you!!

June 10, 2026.

Goma remains on Ebola alert, though no new cases have been documented. The one woman who’d been hospitalized was released, healed. The people who had contact with her are being quarantined for 21 days. AGIR is helping bring food to them to keep them in their homes, and still be able to eat. The awareness campaigns that many have done in Goma about prevention of disease, how diseases spread, have continued in Goma for over 20 years in organizations I’ve supported: HIV, Ebola, COVID-19…and malaria, tuberculosis, diarrhea have made people aware, and in some cases, change habits, though this information needs to be repeated, repeatedly! However, traffic continues heavily through the Virunga Park, between Lubero-Rutshuru-Goma, and not everyone in the province has heard or believes that disease is spread from contact! Awareness campaigns continue. Rumors abound. But word of mouth is social currency in Goma, as it is in Chicago. So it counts who we hear what from, right? Your support to AGIR counts because AGIR and their staff are known in neighborhoods all around Goma. They’ve been there. They’re from there. They speak the languages and understand cultural nuances. They continue to use what they have carefully. And Goma keeps watch. Will you help today?