As Ebola cases continue to rise in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, local artists are turning to music and spoken word to support public health efforts and combat dangerous misinformation surrounding the outbreak.

In Bunia, the epicentre of the latest Ebola outbreak, singer Wedy’s Sarah and slam poet Musa Tabaro Ghislain have released awareness songs aimed at educating communities about Ebola prevention and encouraging residents to follow health guidelines.

The artists are also taking their message beyond the recording studio, engaging directly with people in markets and public spaces. Through performances and community outreach, they are promoting key preventive measures, including regular handwashing, mask use when necessary, and avoiding overcrowded areas.

They say music remains one of the most effective tools for reaching large audiences and building trust during a public health crisis marked by fear, uncertainty, and widespread misinformation.

The outbreak, declared on May 15, is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rare variant for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Health authorities have confirmed more than 550 cases, with at least 101 deaths and 19 recoveries. More than 90% of infections have been recorded in Ituri Province, although cases have also been reported in North Kivu, South Kivu, and neighboring Uganda.

Efforts to contain the outbreak have been complicated by insecurity, misinformation campaigns, and attacks on health workers. Officials warn that the true scale of the outbreak could be significantly higher due to delayed case detection and gaps in contact tracing.

Public health experts say community trust and awareness remain critical to stopping the spread of Ebola, making grassroots initiatives led by artists and cultural figures an important complement to medical and humanitarian response efforts.