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By Denise Kyalwahi
In Bunia, MONUSCO handed over a consignment of Ebola protection and prevention equipment to five units of the Congolese National Police (PNC) on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The support aims to reduce the risk of infection among police officers deployed in response to the Ebola outbreak in Ituri.
The Congolese National Police (PNC) is strengthening its Ebola prevention capacity in Ituri. Through its Police Component (UNPOL), the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) handed over several pieces of equipment to the police in Bunia on October 29, intended to protect officers involved in response operations.
In Ituri, police officers are notably involved in monitoring population movements, enforcing preventive measures and providing security for healthcare teams. These various responsibilities expose them to the risk of infection, making it essential for them to have appropriate protective equipment to safeguard their health and that of the communities they serve.
Equipment Provided to Five Police Units
The consignment includes 500 FFP2/N95 protective masks, 20 infrared thermometers, 100 units of alcohol-based hand sanitiser, 125 units of disinfectant liquid soap and 10 handwashing stations, each with a capacity of 100 litres.
The donation also includes medical gloves, powdered chlorine, garbage bags, as well as 700 information leaflets and 100 posters raising awareness about Ebola prevention measures.
Five PNC structures are benefiting from this support: the Ituri Provincial Police Headquarters, the Bunia Police Training School, the Urban Police Headquarters, the Mobile Intervention Group (GMI), and the Criminal and Narcotics Enforcement Unit.
Through this donation, MONUSCO aims to strengthen the operational capacities of these units, particularly in managing checkpoints and supporting health response operations, in coordination with the relevant authorities.
Protecting Police Officers: A Key Condition for Safeguarding Communities
The Ituri Provincial Police Commissioner, Ngoy Sengelwa, welcomed MONUSCO’s support, describing it as important for protecting police officers involved in the fight against Ebola.
« On behalf of all police officers, I would like to express our gratitude for this significant support in the fight against the Ebola virus disease, as well as for all the other forms of assistance we receive from MONUSCO and its partners, » he said.
He also emphasised the link between the safety of police officers and that of the populations they are mandated to protect.
« With this support, the safety of the police personnel is ensured. Otherwise, how can we guarantee the security and well-being of the population if we ourselves are exposed to danger? » he asked.
Beyond this intervention in response to the public health emergency, MONUSCO regularly supports the PNC in Ituri through training programmes, technical advice and awareness-raising activities.
This cooperation also includes joint patrols, efforts to strengthen relations between the police and local communities, as well as the prevention of and fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
Through these various initiatives, MONUSCO continues to support the Congolese National Police in carrying out its security responsibilities and protecting the population in Ituri.
