Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo

A mother of a child, suspected of dying from Ebola, cries near her child's coffin in Beni, North Kivu Province of Democratic Republic of Congo. The Ebola outbreak in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the tenth outbreak in the country since 1976. In the two provinces affected by this latest outbreak – North Kivu and Ituri – insecurity and armed conflicts have made the response more difficult than in previous outbreaks. 

Keep Ebola out of classrooms

Most school-aged children have returned to school in Beni and Mabalako, the two epicentres of the Ebola outbreak. UNICEF’s response helps to make schools a protective environment for children to continue their education, while teachers also teach children how to protect themselves from Ebola. To date, UNICEF and its partners have equipped 365 schools in high risk zones with hygiene and health equipment and trained more than 3,500 teachers and school principals on preventive measures on Ebola. 

Local heroes make a difference

Survivors of the Ebola virus and UNICEF are teaming up to help prevent transmission of the deadly disease. As part of this effort, the survivors share their stories during public events and through public radio in Ebola-affected communities, helping to reduce fear in communities and to encourage people with Ebola-like symptoms to look for early treatment.

Courtesy : UNICEF