Leveraging risk communication and community engagement and lessons from previous outbreaks to strengthen a public health response : a case study of Disease X in the Panzi region, DRC

Abstract

On 08 December 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported an outbreak of Disease X in the Panzi Health Zone, Kwango province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This unknown pathogen, with 406 cases and 31 deaths at the time of its declaration, predominantly affects children under 5 years. Disease X, hypothesised to be a zoonotic ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus, poses significant challenges because of limited healthcare infrastructure, gaps in risk communication and ineffective community engagement. This opinion article aims to explore these challenges and advocate for the urgent need for culturally tailored, inclusive communication strategies that foster trust and empower local communities in responding to outbreaks. Key approaches highlighted include mobilising local leaders, utilising mobile laboratories for decentralised diagnostics and improving sample collection techniques. Drawing on lessons from previous epidemics, such as COVID-19 and Ebola, this article emphasises the importance of robust surveillance systems, community engagement and effective risk communication, skilled health workforce and collaborative management frameworks. Strengthening early warning systems and ensuring equitable access to diagnostic and treatment resources are essential for mitigating future outbreaks of unknown diseases in resource-limited settings.