DR Congo resumes schooling despite Ebola outbreak
A new school year has begun in the Democratic Republic of Congo despite concerns among parents and teachers over the Ebola outbreak. The epicenter of the disease's spread is Ituri province. According to the latest government data, since mid-May the virus has claimed 2,950 lives out of 6,100 confirmed cases.
As CBC World reports, the Ituri teachers' union called for the start of classes to be postponed, but the government decided not to delay the school year. UNICEF said it is helping authorities prevent the virus from being transmitted in schools.
Low attendance
Low attendance has been recorded at a number of schools in Ituri, primarily public ones. Parents and teachers fear risks to children during the rapidly spreading outbreak.
Aimerance Wahweka, a resident of Bunia, the administrative center of Ituri, said the start of the school year came as a surprise to her. According to her, she has kept her child at home for now because she has not noticed stronger preventive measures.
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Education officials said schools are being supplied with contactless infrared thermometers, hand sanitizers and hand-washing containers. Pupils are also being informed about the need to wash their hands regularly and use sanitizers.
Water and response challenges
Experts stress that many schools do not have access to clean water, while funding remains below the target level. Greg Ramm, Save the Children's director in Congo, also pointed to logistical difficulties in remote areas, where the delivery of equipment and educational materials may be delayed.
According to available medical data, the highest fatality rate during this outbreak — 60% — was recorded among children aged four and under. The current outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, has spread to more than 60 health zones. Authorities have begun distributing thousands of doses of the Ervebo vaccine, which, according to the World Health Organization's assessment, may provide some protection.
Containing the disease is complicated by the lack of an approved vaccine or treatment, strikes by medical workers over delayed payments, conflict in the east of the country, attacks on healthcare workers and active population movement.
