Ebola survivors, including frontline healthcare workers, have walked free from a treatment centre in Beni, eastern DRC, celebrating their recovery as the country battles a deadly outbreak.

Survivors embraced medical staff and received discharge certificates outside the centre.

 "Today is a great day for us, and it is a victory halfway through the battle. We believe we will keep up this momentum to turn the tide. The public must stop believing that being admitted to an Ebola treatment centre or referred to an isolation unit automatically means that a person is dying and will not come out alive. These survivors are living proof of that," expressed Head of Patient Care, Dr. Jeremie Katsavara.

Among those celebrating are healthcare workers who contracted the virus while treating patients.

 "I contracted the Ebola virus while doing my job, as I was treating a baby and trying to find a vein. The mother wasn't there. I had to look after the child. That is how I contracted Ebola. It was a very difficult experience for me," said nurse and Ebola survivor Kavugho Mela.

Another survivor Kambale Kayikundami recalled arriving at the centre fighting for his life.

"When I arrived here, I was in critical condition, but I was welcomed and immediately began treatment. The colour of my eyes had completely changed, but the medical staff took care of me, and today I have recovered and been able to leave the centre."

According to local media, 13 Ebola patients were discharged from the Beni treatment centre on October 7 and 8, eight on the first day and five on the second.

The outbreak, declared in May, has spread across seven DRC provinces.