Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Ebola cases have exceeded 1,000 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with children comprising 15 percent of confirmed cases and over 25 percent of deaths, according to UNICEF. The agency notes that children are especially vulnerable, relying on caregivers and unable to distance themselves from infected family members, resulting in almost double the mortality rate compared to adults.
In Ituri province, the epicenter of the outbreak, more than 130 children have lost one or both parents to Ebola. UNICEF is supporting 135 orphans with psychosocial care, referrals to social services, and alternative caregiving options. The organization has opened a nursery as a safe space for children separated from their families and plans to open two more.
The response is hampered by insecurity and limited access due to ongoing clashes between government forces and armed groups. Surveillance and contact tracing remain difficult. Additionally, misinformation and rumors hinder efforts, with children struggling to understand the epidemic amid online disinformation.
WHO has built an Ebola isolation and care unit in Bunia Central Prison, which houses about 2,000 inmates in close quarters. The unit's construction involved significant participation from inmates, showing community engagement in local health responses.
UNICEF is calling for immediate, safe, and sustained humanitarian access to affected communities and is initially seeking $70.7 million for a six-month response plan to contain the outbreak, with $20 million still unfunded as part of a continental, multi-partner Ebola preparedness and response strategy.