A fresh academic year commenced in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, despite parental and teacher concerns about the lingering threat of Ebola in the epicenter. The return to classes occurs amidst a rapidly expanding outbreak. Official data reports 2,950 fatalities from the virus since mid-May out of 6,100 confirmed cases as of Tuesday.
Despite calls from the teachers’ union in the outbreak epicenter, Ituri province, to postpone the school reopening, the government proceeded as planned. UNICEF is actively assisting authorities to prevent virus transmissions within school settings.
Some schools in Ituri, particularly those under government ownership, experienced low attendance rates. Local authorities did not comment on measures implemented to prevent virus spread in classrooms upon request.
A parent in Bunia, Ituri’s capital, named Aimerance Vahweka, expressed surprise at the sudden school restart and has chosen to keep her child at home for the time being. She noted a lack of visible increase in preventive measures.
Education officials mentioned equipping schools with noncontact infrared thermometers, hand sanitizers, and hand-washing facilities, along with educating students on adhering to hygiene protocols.
Save the Children’s Congo director, Greg Ramm, highlighted ongoing challenges, such as inadequate access to clean water in many schools and funding falling short of targets. He emphasized logistical hurdles, especially in remote areas, that may delay the delivery of essential equipment and learning materials.
The outbreak’s highest case-fatality rate, at 60%, is among children aged four and below, according to health data available. UNICEF’s emergency coordinator, Dounia Dekhili, stressed the paramount importance of safeguarding the health of students, teachers, and communities while upholding children’s right to education.
The current outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, is the fastest spreading in history, affecting over 60 health zones. Authorities suspect the virus had been silently circulating in communities since at least February. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the outbreak could surpass the scale of West Africa’s Ebola crisis during 2014-2016.
Health workers in affected provinces have staged multiple strikes due to payment delays, impacting the outbreak response. Efforts to contain the disease have been hindered by the absence of an approved vaccine or treatment. Despite the challenges, the distribution of the Ervebo vaccine by Congolese authorities, endorsed by WHO, offers some protective potential.
The outbreak’s severity is amplified by conflicts between the government and rebel factions in the eastern region, attacks on healthcare workers, and significant population movements exacerbating the situation.
