A new school year commenced in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday despite worries from parents and educators about the ongoing Ebola crisis affecting children in the epicenter. The reopening of schools occurs amidst a rapidly spreading outbreak, with government figures indicating 2,950 fatalities out of 6,100 confirmed cases as of Tuesday.
Although the teachers’ union in Ituri province, the outbreak’s epicenter, had requested a delay in school resumption, the government proceeded as planned. UNICEF is collaborating with authorities to mitigate transmission risks within school settings.
Certain schools in Ituri, particularly those under government ownership, experienced low attendance rates. Officials in Ituri did not provide details on measures taken to prevent transmission within classrooms. A parent in Bunia, the capital of Ituri, named Aimerance Vahweka, expressed surprise at the abrupt school reopening and decided to keep her child at home for the time being, citing a lack of visible preventive measures.
Education officials mentioned equipping schools with noncontact infrared thermometers, hand sanitizers, and hand-washing facilities. Etienne Ndjabu, a teacher in a private school in Bunia, emphasized the importance of educating students on hygiene practices like regular handwashing and sanitizer use.
Despite these efforts, significant challenges persist, including limited access to clean water in many schools and insufficient funding. Greg Ramm, the director for Save the Children in Congo, highlighted logistical hurdles, particularly in remote regions, resulting in delayed delivery of necessary equipment and educational materials.
Children under the age of four face the highest fatality rate in the outbreak at 60%, according to health data. Dounia Dekhili, UNICEF’s emergency coordinator in the country, stressed the dual importance of safeguarding the health of students, teachers, and communities while ensuring children’s right to education.
The ongoing outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, has become the fastest-spreading in history, affecting over 60 health zones. Authorities suspect the virus was circulating undetected in communities since at least February. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that this outbreak could surpass the regional crisis in West Africa between 2014 and 2016.
Health workers in affected provinces have staged multiple strikes to protest delayed payments, impacting the outbreak response. The lack of an approved vaccine or treatment has impeded containment efforts. The distribution of the Ervebo vaccine by Congolese authorities, though offering some protection according to WHO assessments, has faced challenges.
Additionally, conflicts between the government and rebel factions in the eastern region, attacks on health personnel, and significant population movements have further complicated the outbreak response.
