Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the epicenter of the current Ebola outbreak. The outbreak is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, which still has no approved vaccine or specific treatment available.

Traditional healers claim they have remedies for Ebola.

Mariam Kabika said. “I’m going to mix these leaves with other ingredients I already have,” she explains. “I’ll add some aloe vera, wash everything thoroughly, put the mixture in a saucepan with a little water, and bring it to the boil. Once it’s ready, I can give it to anyone suffering from Ebola.”

In regions where modern healthcare is scarce or difficult to access, many people turn to traditional healers for treatment. Although the profession is not formally recognised by the state, it is regulated, and healers are required to hold a licence.

“Traditional medicine and modern medicine are both important parts of public health,” says healer Dauda Tshimanga. “But we ‘tradis’ have not yet been called upon in the fight against Ebola. On our side, we have already done our own research and we are certain we have found remedies for the disease and I’m not the only one.”

Although their remedies have not been scientifically validated, traditional healers remain highly influential in their communities. During previous outbreaks, the World Health Organization has collaborated with them to promote infection-control measures and build trust in public health interventions.