Fighting disease and empowering communities: illuminAid’s role in public health education

Recent reports of suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) highlight the ongoing need for public health education in vulnerable regions. According to Colomba Mampuya, president of the Red Cross/Ecuador committee, 12 suspected cases of Ebola have been reported in the Boyenge health area, with eight deaths recorded between January 10 and 22, 2025. Local indigenous populations are most affected, meaning the need for targeted prevention and response efforts are critical.

illuminAid remains committed to addressing these challenges by empowering communities with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves. One such effort recently took place in Burkina Faso, where the threat of Ebola underscores the importance of proper hygiene practices. In partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Burkina Faso, illuminAid facilitated a Video Education Workshop to promote critical WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) practices.

According to the World Health Organization, by 2030, only 78 percent of the global population will have basic hand washing facilities, with rural areas like those in Burkina Faso disproportionately affected. To tackle this issue, illuminAid and its partners equipped 18 local educators and CRS staff with the tools and skills to create and share hygiene-focused educational videos. These tools included camera kits, projector kits and recharge kits to ensure accessibility in remote areas.

The workshop emphasized the basics of video production, enabling participants to produce culturally relevant content for schools and communities. By focusing on handwashing and other preventive measures, the initiative seeks to reduce the spread of diseases like Ebola while fostering local leadership and resilience.

illuminAid’s approach demonstrates the power of education in driving sustainable change. By investing in local leaders and leveraging technology, our organization creates scalable solutions to public health challenges. As outbreaks like Ebola persist, these efforts show how collaboration and innovation can make a profound difference in at-risk regions.

Together, through education and partnership, we can equip communities to fight disease and build healthier, safer futures.