A fresh academic year has kicked off in the Democratic Republic of Congo this week, despite worries from parents and educators about the ongoing Ebola outbreak’s threat to children in the epicenter. The return to classrooms coincides with a rapidly expanding outbreak, with the latest official figures indicating 2,950 fatalities out of 6,100 confirmed cases as of Tuesday.
While the teachers’ union in Ituri province, the outbreak’s focal point, had urged a postponement of classes, the government proceeded with the reopening. UNICEF has voiced its assistance in collaborating with authorities to prevent virus transmissions within school premises.
Some schools in Ituri, particularly those under government ownership, observed low attendance rates. Authorities in Ituri did not provide feedback on strategies implemented to prevent virus spread in classrooms upon request.
A parent from Bunia, Ituri’s capital, named Aimerance Vahweka, expressed surprise at the abrupt school restart and mentioned keeping her child at home for the time being due to perceived insufficient prevention measures.
On the other hand, educational officials mentioned outfitting schools with non-contact infrared thermometers, hand sanitizers, and handwashing facilities. Etienne Ndjabu, a teacher at a private school in Bunia, highlighted efforts to raise student awareness about adhering to hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and sanitizer use.
Despite these initiatives, significant challenges persist, with many schools lacking access to clean water and falling short of required funding targets. Greg Ramm, the director for Save the Children in Congo, emphasized logistical hurdles, especially in remote areas, where equipment and learning resources delivery may face delays.
Children aged four and below show the highest case-fatality rate of any age group in the outbreak, standing at 60%, as per available health data. Dounia Dekhili, UNICEF’s emergency coordinator in the country, emphasized the dual importance of safeguarding health and education rights for students, teachers, and communities.
The ongoing outbreak, triggered by the rare Bundibugyo virus, marks the fastest spread in Ebola’s history, reaching over 60 health zones. Authorities suspect the virus had been silently circulating in communities since at least February. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the outbreak is on course to surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa regional epidemic.
Health workers in affected regions have staged multiple strikes to protest payment delays, impacting the outbreak response. The absence of an approved vaccine or treatment has hindered containment efforts, although Congolese authorities have initiated the distribution of thousands of Ervebo vaccine doses, offering potential protection, according to WHO assessments.
Additionally, conflicts between the government and rebel factions in the eastern region, assaults on healthcare personnel, and significant population movements have exacerbated the outbreak’s severity.