A new academic term commenced in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, amid concerns from parents and educators about the ongoing Ebola outbreak’s threat to children in the epicenter. The outbreak continues to escalate rapidly, with government figures indicating 2,950 fatalities out of 6,100 confirmed cases as of Tuesday.
Despite calls from the teachers’ union in the outbreak epicenter, Ituri province, to postpone the reopening of schools, the government proceeded with the resumption. UNICEF is collaborating with authorities to implement measures to prevent the spread of the virus within schools.
Some schools in Ituri, particularly those under government ownership, experienced low attendance rates. Officials in Ituri did not provide details on efforts to prevent transmission within classrooms. A parent in Bunia, the capital of Ituri, named Aimerance Vahweka, expressed surprise at the sudden reopening of schools and opted to keep her child at home, citing inadequate prevention measures.
Education officials mentioned equipping schools with non-contact infrared thermometers, hand sanitizers, and handwashing facilities. They are also educating students on adhering to hygiene protocols, including regular handwashing and sanitizer use.
However, significant challenges persist, with many schools lacking access to clean water and insufficient funding. Greg Ramm, the director for Save the Children in Congo, highlighted logistical hurdles, especially in remote areas, where delays in delivering equipment and learning materials are common.
Children aged four and below have the highest fatality rate among all age groups in the outbreak, at 60 percent, based on health data. Dounia Dekhili, the UNICEF emergency coordinator for Congo, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the health of students, teachers, and communities while ensuring children’s right to education.
The ongoing outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, is the fastest in history and has spread across more than 60 health zones. Authorities suspect the virus was circulating undetected in communities since at least February. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the outbreak could surpass the regional Ebola crisis in West Africa between 2014 and 2016.
Health workers in affected provinces have staged strikes due to delayed payments, impacting the response to the outbreak. Efforts to contain the disease have been hindered by the absence of an approved vaccine or treatment. Although the Ervebo vaccine is being distributed, its effectiveness remains uncertain.
The conflict between the government and rebel groups in the eastern region, attacks on health workers, and population movements have further complicated the outbreak’s containment efforts.