A new school year has commenced in the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite concerns from parents and teachers about the ongoing Ebola outbreak posing risks to children in the epicenter. The outbreak has resulted in 2,950 fatalities out of 6,100 confirmed cases since mid-May, with the virus spreading rapidly.
While the teachers’ union in Ituri province had advocated for a delay in school reopening, the government proceeded with the resumption of classes. UNICEF is collaborating with authorities to implement measures to prevent transmissions within schools.
Some schools, particularly government-owned ones in Ituri, experienced low attendance rates. Measures to prevent transmission within classrooms have not been clarified by authorities in Ituri, prompting some parents like Aimerance Vahweka in Bunia to keep their children at home due to perceived inadequate prevention measures.
Schools are being equipped with noncontact infrared thermometers, hand sanitizers, and hand-washing facilities. Teachers are also educating students on adhering to hygiene protocols, emphasizing regular handwashing and sanitizer use.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including inadequate access to clean water in many schools and funding falling short of targets. Greg Ramm, director for Save the Children in Congo, highlighted logistical hurdles, particularly in remote areas, which may lead to delays in delivering essential equipment and learning materials.
Children aged four and below have the highest case-fatality rate of any age group in the outbreak, with a rate of 60% based on available health data. Dounia Dekhili, UNICEF’s emergency coordinator in the country, stressed the importance of safeguarding the health of students, teachers, and communities while ensuring children’s right to education.
The current outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, is the fastest-spreading in Ebola’s history, affecting over 60 health zones. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the outbreak is set to surpass the regional outbreak in West Africa between 2014 and 2016.
Health workers in affected provinces have staged multiple strikes to protest 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 distribution of the Ervebo vaccine by Congolese authorities is underway, offering some potential protection.
The conflict between the government and rebel groups in the eastern region, attacks on health workers, and significant population movements have exacerbated the outbreak’s severity.