DRC: Ebola response must step up as millions of children return to school

Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo, August 31, 2026 - As millions of children across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) return to school this week, the close contact typical of classrooms and communal dormitories could present new challenges for Ebola containment efforts already underway. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is working to keep students safe, reduce transmission risk, and strengthen trust and prevention efforts as schools reopen.

With the outbreak in its fourth month, Ebola case numbers continue to climb across eastern DRC, and health authorities have recorded more than 5,945 cases and over 2,862 deaths. Already by early August, 743 of those cases and 330 of those deaths were children. In higher-risk areas, including the epicenter Bunia, schools await guidance from health authorities, while in lower-risk areas, schools open on September 1st. The IRC is redoubling its prevention efforts across 30 schools in Ituri, training teachers on Ebola prevention and child protection, running age-appropriate awareness sessions for children, and working with school authorities, parents and communities to make the return to school safer, in line with health authorities guidance.

"Children are among the most vulnerable to this outbreak. Almost one in three deaths is a child, and far too many children have lost one or both parents and family members," said Hannah Gibbin, Ebola response team lead for the IRC in Bunia. "Children have the right to learn safely, even in the middle of an Ebola outbreak. Education gives back what this outbreak has taken away from them: stability, connection, and a sense of normal life. This is what we are trying to protect, working with school authorities, teachers, families, communities and authorities to reinforce Ebola awareness and prevention. Education cannot be the next casualty of this outbreak."

The IRC has been responding to Ebola outbreaks in this region since 2014: our efforts draw on those lessons and are tailored to each local context and impacted communities. The IRC is working deep within the community to combat misinformation and deliver emergency supplies and hygiene services to reinforce prevention. The IRC also addresses the psychosocial impacts of the outbreak, training health personnel and community leaders in mental health and psychosocial support. This work is crucial for children as they face family separation, stigma, psychosocial distress, and neglect that impact them in profound ways. The IRC identifies and refers children who need support, provides psychosocial support, sets up safe referral pathways, and works to counter stigma through community messages.

As children return to classrooms, teachers, parents and communities are the first ones able to protect them from Ebola, support their wellbeing, and ensure continuity of learning. But they cannot do this alone. More support and funding are urgently needed to help schools strengthen prevention and hygiene measures, provide psychosocial support and ensure teachers have the tools and help they need to respond to children's needs. Investing in these measures is essential not only to protect children from Ebola, but to ensure that schools remain safe, supportive places where children can learn, play and thrive.