DRC (MAF/MNN) – Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is conducting essential evacuation flights in response to the Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
MAF recently transported the family of Dr. Peter Stafford, an American doctor who tested positive for Ebola from the DRC to Uganda. Dr. Stafford had been working at Nyankunde Hospital and was evacuated separately to Germany for specialized treatment. While still symptomatic, his condition seems to be improving.
Nyankunda Hospital walkway to patient wings. (Photo courtesy of MAF)
Passengers on the MAF flight included Dr. Stafford’s wife—also a physician—their children, and another doctor who had been exposed to the virus. Prior to this mission, MAF had conducted an earlier evacuation flight for another mission family. All evacuation operations are conducted in close coordination with public health officials and government authorities.
MAF is a Christian mission organization that uses aviation to support missionary and humanitarian relief efforts for remote communities around the world. MAF has served in the DRC since 1961. This is the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in the country since 1976.
MAF has an established Ebola Management Plan (EMP), which has been successfully implemented during previous outbreaks. The EMP includes strict measures such as passenger temperature checks, mandatory use of personal protective equipment, comprehensive aircraft sanitization procedures, and other safety protocols. MAF flight operations will continue under these procedures to ensure the safety of both passengers and crew.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The outbreak is centered in the Ituri Province, where Bunia—the provincial capital—also serves as the base for MAF’s operations in eastern DRC.
Nyankunde airstrip (Photo courtesy of MAF)
All MAF staff remain in good health and are taking appropriate precautions in their daily activities. A dedicated Crisis Management Team has been established and is working closely with the East DRC team to monitor developments, provide support, and guide operational decisions.
Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids. While it is not transmitted through the air, the virus can remain viable on hard surfaces for several days, making strict hygiene and sanitation practices essential.
This outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. Unlike the more common Zaire strain, there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment available for this variant. Exposure risk is considered low while protocols are being followed.
MAF asks you to pray for impacted individuals and their families, and for the swift containment, effective response efforts, and continued safety and health of our staff. Please pray specifically for Dr. Stafford’s healing.
Header photo: The mission hospital in Nyankunde. (Photo courtesy of MAF)
