A fresh academic year kicked off in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday amidst concerns from parents and teachers about the ongoing Ebola outbreak posing a threat to children in the epicenter. The country has witnessed a rapid spread of the outbreak, with 2,950 fatalities and 6,100 confirmed cases as of Tuesday.
Despite calls from the teachers’ union in Ituri province to postpone the reopening of schools, the government proceeded with the resumption. UNICEF is working closely with authorities to implement measures to prevent the spread of the virus in schools.
Attendance was low in some schools in Ituri, particularly government-owned ones. Measures to prevent transmission within classrooms were not disclosed by Ituri authorities. A parent in Bunia, Aimerance Vahweka, expressed surprise at the school reopening and has chosen to keep her child at home due to perceived inadequate prevention measures.
Education officials are equipping schools with non-contact infrared thermometers, hand sanitizers, and hand-washing facilities. Teachers 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, Save the Children’s director in Congo, highlighted logistical hurdles, especially in remote areas, where the delivery of equipment and learning materials may be delayed.
Children aged four and below have the highest case-fatality rate in the outbreak, standing at 60%. UNICEF’s emergency coordinator, Dounia Dekhili, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the health of students, teachers, and communities while ensuring children’s right to education.
The current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, is the fastest in history and has spread to over 60 health zones. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the outbreak may surpass the West Africa regional outbreak between 2014 and 2016.
Health workers in affected provinces have staged strikes due to delayed payments, impacting the response to the outbreak. The lack of an approved vaccine or treatment has impeded containment efforts, although the distribution of the Ervebo vaccine by Congolese authorities may offer some protection.
Additionally, conflicts between the government and rebel groups in the eastern region, attacks on health workers, and population movements have further exacerbated the crisis.
