A new school year has commenced in the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite concerns from parents and educators about the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region. The outbreak, which has resulted in 2,950 deaths and 6,100 confirmed cases as of Tuesday, prompted calls from the teachers’ union in Ituri province to postpone the reopening of schools. However, the government decided to proceed with the resumption of classes, with UNICEF providing support to prevent the spread of the virus within school settings.
Some schools in Ituri, particularly government-owned ones, experienced low attendance rates. Authorities in Ituri did not comment on specific measures taken to prevent transmission within classrooms. A parent in Bunia, Aimerance Vahweka, expressed surprise at the school reopening and has chosen to keep her child at home, citing a lack of visible increased prevention measures.
In response to the situation, education officials have been equipping schools with tools such as noncontact infrared thermometers, hand sanitizers, and hand-washing stations. Teachers like Etienne Ndjabu in a private school in Bunia are also emphasizing hygiene protocols to students, including regular handwashing and sanitizer use.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including limited access to clean water and insufficient funding in many schools. Greg Ramm, the director for Save the Children in Congo, highlighted logistical hurdles, especially in remote areas, where delays in the delivery of equipment and learning materials are common.
Children under the age of four have the highest fatality rate from the outbreak, standing at 60%, according to health data. UNICEF’s emergency coordinator in the country, Dounia Dekhili, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the health of students, teachers, and communities while ensuring children’s right to education.
The current Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, is the fastest-spreading in history, affecting over 60 health zones. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the outbreak could surpass the regional outbreak in West Africa between 2014 and 2016. Health workers in affected provinces have staged strikes due to delayed payments, impacting the response to the crisis.
Efforts to contain the disease have been hindered by the absence of an approved vaccine or treatment. Although the Ervebo vaccine is being distributed in Congo, its protective efficacy remains uncertain. Additionally, conflicts between the government and rebel factions, attacks on healthcare workers, and population displacements have exacerbated the outbreak’s severity.