Frontline healthcare preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks remains a critical vulnerability that could determine survival rates when the next pandemic emerges. This reality became starkly apparent during one of history's deadliest Ebola outbreaks, revealing systemic gaps that extend far beyond a single pathogen or region. The assessment of 290 healthcare workers across 72 facilities in Kinshasa during the 2018-2019 Ebola crisis exposed fundamental weaknesses in outbreak response infrastructure. Despite universal awareness of Ebola's existence, only 16% of frontline staff had received formal training on managing suspected cases. Knowledge deficits were particularly severe regarding transmission pathways, with merely 28% understanding risks from traditional funeral practices and 34% recognizing contamination through clothing contact. Basic infection control adherence proved inadequate, with hand hygiene compliance at 72% and glove usage at 63%. Nearly half of facilities lacked designated triage areas for isolating suspected cases. These findings illuminate broader challenges facing healthcare systems in outbreak-prone regions. The knowledge gaps identified—particularly around cultural transmission routes like funeral ceremonies—highlight how outbreak preparedness must integrate epidemiological science with local cultural practices. For health-conscious adults, this research underscores the importance of robust healthcare infrastructure in containing emerging infectious diseases before they spread globally. The study's implications extend beyond Ebola to future pandemic preparedness, suggesting that frontline healthcare worker training and facility readiness represent critical barriers to effective outbreak containment. While focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo, these preparedness challenges likely mirror vulnerabilities in healthcare systems worldwide.