A fresh academic year has commenced in the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite concerns from parents and educators regarding the ongoing Ebola outbreak’s threat to children in the center of the crisis.
The return to school coincides with a rapidly expanding outbreak, with government figures indicating 2,950 fatalities out of 6,100 confirmed cases as of Tuesday. While the teachers’ union in Ituri province, the outbreak’s epicenter, had advocated for a delay in reopening schools, the government proceeded as planned. UNICEF is collaborating with authorities to implement preventive measures in schools.
Certain schools in Ituri, particularly those under government ownership, experienced low attendance rates. Officials in Ituri did not provide details on steps taken to prevent virus transmission within classrooms.
A parent in Bunia, the capital of Ituri, named Aimerance Vahweka, expressed surprise at the sudden school reopening and has chosen to keep her child at home for the time being, citing a perceived lack of enhanced preventive measures.
Education authorities mentioned equipping schools with infrared thermometers, hand sanitizers, and hand-washing facilities. Teachers, like Etienne Ndjabu from a private school in Bunia, emphasized educating students on hygiene protocols, including regular handwashing and sanitizer use.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist, with many schools lacking access to clean water, and funding falling short of targets. Greg Ramm, the director for Save the Children in Congo, highlighted logistical hurdles, especially in remote areas, that may delay the delivery of necessary equipment and educational materials.
Children under the age of four have the highest fatality rate in the outbreak at 60%, based on health data available.
Dounia Dekhili, the UNICEF emergency coordinator in Congo, stressed the importance of safeguarding the health of students, teachers, and communities while upholding children’s right to education.
The current outbreak, attributed to the rare Bundibugyo virus, is the fastest-growing in history and has infiltrated over 60 health zones. Authorities suspect the virus had been silently spreading within communities since at least February. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that this outbreak could surpass the scale of the regional outbreak in West Africa between 2014 and 2016.
Health workers in affected provinces have staged multiple strikes over payment delays, impacting the response to the crisis. Efforts to contain the disease are hindered by the absence of an approved vaccine or treatment, although the distribution of the Ervebo vaccine has commenced in Congo, potentially offering some level of protection.
The conflict between the government and rebel factions in the eastern region, assaults on healthcare workers, and significant population movements have further complicated the outbreak situation.
