Trust at the heart of Ebola response as outbreak expands

Aid groups warn that fear and mistrust are slowing Ebola containment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the outbreak grows (363 cases, 62 deaths; more than 4,200 contacts under follow-up) and Uganda reports cases as well. Mercy Corps is engaging trusted community voices—leaders, women and youth groups, teachers and religious figures—to spread safety messages and encourage early care, because trust can determine whether people seek help or delay, a critical factor as contact tracing and overall response face ongoing challenges.