Making Coffins in Ebola’s Epicenter

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Published: 2026-09-09T09:09:53.273Z • Permanent link

Congo's Ebola Crisis Intensifies: Coffin Maker Sees Surge in Demand

Coffin maker Clement Mwanga in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo, has witnessed a significant increase in the number of coffins needed in recent months. According to Mwanga, his workshop has received an average of 50 coffins per week, up from just 10 per week in May. Mwanga attributes the surge to the latest Ebola outbreak, which began in May and has since spread to multiple regions of the country. "We're working around the clock to meet the demand," Mwanga said in an interview. "It's heartbreaking to see families losing loved ones, but we're doing everything we can to support them during this difficult time.

Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum, the Minister of Health in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been working closely with Mwanga and other local officials to coordinate the response to the outbreak. Muyembe-Tamfum has acknowledged the challenges posed by the outbreak, including the shortage of medical supplies and personnel. "We're doing everything we can to contain the spread of the virus," Muyembe-Tamfum said. "But we need the support of the international community to make a meaningful impact.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently reporting over 1,000 cases of Ebola and 500 deaths. The outbreak has also spread to neighboring countries, including Republic of Congo and Uganda. The international community has pledged significant support to the response efforts, including the deployment of medical teams and the delivery of vital supplies.

Rising Demand for Coffins Raises Concerns About Preparedness

The surge in demand for coffins in Bunia has raised concerns about the preparedness of local authorities to respond to the outbreak. While the international community has pledged significant support, the response efforts are facing significant challenges, including a shortage of medical supplies and personnel. "We need to do more to support the response efforts," said Dr. Peter Piot, Director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. "The demand for coffins is just one symptom of a larger problem – the lack of preparedness and resources to respond to infectious disease outbreaks.