An Ebola survivor story

Jeanne was one of twelve people who contracted Ebola during the last wave in the Nord-Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). One evening in March, just a few days after the most recent epidemic had been declared, Jeanne's husband developed what appeared to be Ebola symptoms but she hoped her family wouldn't be affected After watching her husband's condition deteriorate during the night, Jeanne went to the Ebola treatment centre. "I was worried, I thought it might be Ebola, but I tried to remain optimistic," explains Jeanne.

Blood tests soon confirmed that her husband had contracted the Ebola virus. Jeanne and her mother-in-law also tested positive for the virus. "I was worried about our children," Jeanne recalls. Despite receiving medical care at the treatment centre, her husband and mother-in-law's condition did not improve. A few days after being admitted, they both passed away in separate rooms.

UNICEF psychologists helped Jeanne through the initial stages of grief and supported her during her own recovery too. "It was like a dream I needed to wake up from and face a new reality," remembers Jeanne who found the strength to fight on. After several weeks of treatment, Jeanne was given a clean bill of health and returned home.

Odette, a UNICEF psychologist, has supported Jeanne since she left the Ebola treatment centre. "My recovery has been a miracle, I really didn't think I'd make it," admits Jeanne who, despite a warm welcome from her neighbours and friends, has faced many challenges. As the only one to survive, Jeanne was rejected by her in-laws who had lost a son and a mother. "It makes me extremely sad and I hope they'll see reason one day," says Jeanne who can depend on regular visits from Odette.

With support from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), the USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), UNICEF has provided psychological and social support to 531 people, including Ebola patients and their families. UNICEF continues to work alongside the Congolese government to offer support to survivors of the virus.