‘I buried my parents one day after the other’ – Ebola mourners learn how to grieve safely

In the small town of Beni, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a cemetery is rapidly filling up with the bodies of those who have succumbed to the deadly Ebola virus. The outbreak, which was declared in August 2018, has so far claimed the lives of over 2,000 people, and has left countless others grieving for their loved ones.

But for those who have lost family members to the virus, the traditional funeral rites that are an important part of their culture have been scrapped. In an effort to prevent the spread of the disease, health workers have been encouraging people to adopt safer burial practices, which can be difficult for those who are used to gathering together to mourn and pay their respects.

One such person is 35-year-old Aline, who recently lost both her parents to Ebola. “I buried my parents one day after the other,” she says, her voice shaking with emotion. “It was a very difficult time for me, but I knew that I had to do it quickly and safely, to prevent the virus from spreading to others.”

Aline’s parents were both admitted to a treatment center in Beni, where they received care from health workers. But despite the efforts of the medical team, they both succumbed to the virus. Aline was devastated, but she knew that she had to act quickly to ensure that their burials were carried out safely.

“I worked with the health workers to make sure that the burials were done according to the safe protocols,” she explains. “We had to wear protective suits and gloves, and we had to make sure that the bodies were handled carefully to prevent any contact with bodily fluids.”

The safe burial protocols that Aline and the health workers followed are designed to minimize the risk of transmission of the Ebola virus. This includes wearing protective clothing, such as gloves and suits, and ensuring that the body is handled carefully to prevent any contact with bodily fluids. The body is also disinfected and wrapped in a sealed bag, to prevent any leakage of fluids.

But for many people in the community, the new burial protocols are a difficult adjustment to make. Traditional funerals in this part of the world are often large and elaborate affairs, with many mourners gathering to pay their respects to the deceased. The new protocols, which limit the number of people who can attend a funeral and require them to wear protective clothing, can be seen as impersonal and unfeeling.

“It’s hard for people to accept that they can’t gather together to mourn and pay their respects in the way that they are used to,” says Dr. Gaston, a health worker who has been involved in the response to the outbreak. “But we have to emphasize that this is a necessary measure to prevent the spread of the disease. We can’t afford to take any risks when it comes to Ebola.”

Despite the challenges, many people in the community are coming to terms with the new burial protocols. They realize that the risks associated with traditional funerals are too great, and that the safe burial protocols are an necessary measure to protect themselves and their loved ones.

“I know that it’s not the same as a traditional funeral,” says Aline, “but I also know that it’s necessary. I don’t want anyone else to go through what I’ve been through. I want to make sure that my community is safe, and that we can all mourn and grieve in a way that is safe and respectful.”

The cemetery in Beni is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of the Ebola outbreak. Row after row of graves stretch out, each one marked with a simple wooden cross. The graves are dug quickly, to prevent the bodies from decomposing and to minimize the risk of transmission of the virus.

But even in the midst of such tragedy, there are signs of hope and resilience. The community is coming together to support each other, and to find ways to mourn and grieve that are safe and respectful. Health workers are working tirelessly to care for the sick and to prevent the spread of the disease.

And Aline, who lost both her parents to Ebola, is finding a way to heal and move forward. She is working with other bereaved families to establish a support group, where they can share their experiences and find comfort in each other’s company.

“I know that I will never forget my parents,” she says, “but I also know that I have to keep moving forward. I have to find a way to honor their memory, while also keeping myself and my community safe. It’s not easy, but I’m determined to make it work.”

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a stark reminder of the dangers of this deadly virus. But it’s also a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Even in the face of such tragedy and loss, people are finding ways to come together, to support each other, and to rebuild their lives.

As the cemetery in Beni continues to fill up with the bodies of those who have succumbed to Ebola, the community is learning to grieve and mourn in a way that is safe and respectful. It’s a difficult and painful process, but it’s also a necessary one. And as Aline and others like her find a way to heal and move forward, there is hope that the community will emerge from this tragedy stronger and more resilient than ever.