Teams from DR Congo's health ministry, UNICEF and Africa CDC visited schools in Bunia on Friday to teach children about Ebola risks, Africanews reported. Bunia is the capital of Ituri province. Schools there have recorded cases since classes resumed in September.
"About 40 schools have reported cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD), and at one of those schools, a teacher died of EVD," said Francine Nabintu, a member of the health ministry's Risk and Community Engagement team. She said the teams had come to find ways to raise awareness further.
The outbreak was declared six months ago. According to Africanews, it remains out of control and efforts to contain it are faltering. The World Health Organization has warned that the outbreak is far from over, The Eastleigh Voice reported. DR Congo is recording up to 500 new cases every week.
Children are among the hardest hit. Experts say they are especially vulnerable, particularly those with conditions such as malnutrition. Africanews reported that most infected children have not received specialised care. This has contributed to high death rates.
UNICEF figures show children made up 35% of deaths recorded up to November 4. Children under five accounted for 21% of all deaths. Nearly 72% of infected children in that age group have died. The Eastleigh Voice, citing WHO, reported that children make up more than a quarter of confirmed cases and one-third of all deaths.
One school head welcomed the campaign. César Muhila, a principal at one of the Bunia schools visited, said the children were engaged and asked questions. He said he believed the campaign would help keep his school free of the epidemic.