The Ritual of Coffin Making in a City Hit by Ebola

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-01T04:05:52.767Z • Permanent link

Coffin makers in Bunia, a city in the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, are facing a crisis of sorts, as the ongoing Ebola outbreak has led to a surge in demand for their services. According to local reports, several coffin makers have reported increased business, with some stating that they are providing a vital public service by helping families cope with the loss of loved ones. However, the virus has also put these individuals at the center of a debate around safe burials, with some critics arguing that their practices may be contributing to the spread of the disease.

Dramatic images of coffins being made in makeshift workshops, often without proper ventilation or protective equipment, have sparked concern among health officials. Dr. Michel Kabembe, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the DRC, has expressed alarm over the lack of proper burial practices, stating that "the way coffins are being made and handled is a significant risk factor for the spread of Ebola." To address these concerns, the WHO has launched a campaign to educate coffin makers on safe burial practices, including the use of personal protective equipment and proper disinfection techniques.

Efforts to improve burial practices have been underway for some time, with local health officials and NGOs working to establish proper protocols for handling deceased patients. However, the rapid spread of Ebola in Bunia has highlighted the need for urgent action, with the city's health department reporting over 100 cases of the disease in the past month alone. As the situation continues to unfold, coffin makers remain at the forefront of the response, with many reporting increased business and a renewed sense of purpose.

Epidemics like Ebola have a profound impact on global markets, with the DRC's economy already feeling the strain of the outbreak. The WHO estimates that the outbreak has cost the country over $1 billion in lost economic activity, with many businesses forced to close or scale back operations due to the lack of safety and security. In addition to the economic impact, the outbreak has also highlighted the need for improved coordination and cooperation between governments, health officials, and other stakeholders.

Financial markets have also been affected, with stocks in companies that operate in the DRC experiencing significant volatility. For example, the DRC's largest bank, Banque Commerciale du Congo (BCC), has seen its shares plummet over 20% in the past month alone, as investors become increasingly concerned about the economic impact of the outbreak. Research communities have also been affected, with many scientists and researchers being forced to suspend or cancel studies due to the lack of safety and security in the field.

The DRC has a long history of struggling with the Ebola virus, with outbreaks occurring in the country every few years. However, the current outbreak is particularly severe, with over 3,000 cases reported to date and over 1,000 deaths. In contrast, the 2014-2016 outbreak, which occurred in West Africa, saw over 28,000 cases and over 11,000 deaths. While both outbreaks have highlighted the need for improved coordination and cooperation between governments, health officials, and other stakeholders, the DRC's response has been criticized for being slow and inadequate.