Elder Mwanke Baker David Ngabizele, Area Seventy, presents a sample of the donated equipment to Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe, Director General of the INRB, in Kinshasa, DRC, in the presence of staff members, July 16, 2026.
Elder Mwanke Baker David Ngabizele, Area Seventy, presents a sample of the donated equipment to Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe, Director General of the INRB, in Kinshasa, DRC, in the presence of staff members, July 16, 2026.© 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Kinshasa, July 16, 2026 – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has provided significant support to the fight against the Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in partnership with the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB).
An official ceremony for the handover of supplies and equipment was held at the INRB headquarters in Kinshasa. This contribution is intended to strengthen the operational capacity of teams involved in Ebola surveillance, prevention, research, and patient care.
On this occasion, the Church donated a range of equipment and supplies to support ongoing public health response efforts. These resources will help improve early case detection, enhance the quality of care, and increase the speed and effectiveness of health teams' interventions in the field.
The ceremony included remarks from Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe, Director General of the INRB, accompanied by members of his team, and Elder Mwanke Baker David Ngabizele, Area Seventy, representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, accompanied by members of the Africa Central Area communications team, including Brother Didier Buloki and Brother Elie Twikala.
Speaking on behalf of the Church, Elder Ngabizele praised the efforts of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, healthcare professionals, researchers, humanitarian partners, and all those engaged in the fight against the disease.
Elder Mwanke Baker David Ngabizele, Area Seventy, presenting the medical equipment to the administration team of the National Institute for Biomedical Research in Kinshasa, July 16, 2026.
Elder Mwanke Baker David Ngabizele, Area Seventy, presenting the medical equipment to the administration team of the National Institute for Biomedical Research in Kinshasa, July 16, 2026.© 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.To illustrate the Church’s commitment in responding to this public health crisis, he shared an African proverb, stating:
“When your neighbor’s house is on fire, you do not stand by with your arms folded. You go and help put out the fire so that your own house will not be exposed to danger.”
Through this illustration, he emphasized that combating epidemics is a collective responsibility requiring solidarity, compassion, and coordinated action. He stressed that every citizen, institution, and organization has a role to play in prevention and emergency health response efforts.
He also noted that through this act of solidarity, the Church extends its love and charity to all those affected, directly or indirectly, by the epidemic. Elder Ngabizele urged everyone to fully recognize the health challenges facing the country and to support efforts aimed at protecting communities and saving lives.
He also expressed deep gratitude to healthcare professionals who serve with courage and dedication, often at great personal sacrifice, caring for the sick and helping contain the spread of the disease. His thanks were also extended to humanitarian workers, research institutions, technical partners, and public authorities who work tirelessly to prevent disease, care for those affected, and strengthen the national health response.
For his part, Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe welcomed the initiative and thanked the Church for its support of the INRB, noting that collaboration between the two institutions has existed for many years as part of efforts to combat epidemics and pandemics.
Stock of medical supplies donated by the Church to support Ebola response efforts at the National Insititute for Biomedical Research, Kinshasa, DRC, July 16, 2026.
Stock of medical supplies donated by the Church to support Ebola response efforts at the National Insititute for Biomedical Research, Kinshasa, DRC, July 16, 2026.© 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Through this contribution, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s efforts to promote public health, improve the well-being of its people, and strengthen a resilient healthcare system. This action reflects the Church’s desire to serve communities, preserve human dignity, and offer hope to those facing difficult circumstances.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints carries out humanitarian efforts throughout the world without regard to nationality, religion, or ethnic background. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ, it works with governments, local institutions, and humanitarian organizations to relieve suffering, promote self-reliance, and sustainably improve living conditions for individuals, families, and communities.