Children resume school in DR Congo as Ebola concerns grow

Children in the Democratic Republic of Congo have begun returning to classrooms this week as the Ministry of Education, in coordination with health authorities and UNICEF, lifts temporary closures that were imposed after a resurgence of Ebola cases in the eastern provinces. The decision follows a decline in new infections over the past month, with the World Health Organization reporting 12 confirmed cases in the last 30 days compared with a peak of 45 in early June. Schools in the affected districts of North Kivu and Ituri reopened under strict protocols, including daily temperature checks, hand‑washing stations, and the distribution of personal protective equipment to teachers and students.

Health officials emphasize that the reopening is contingent on continued surveillance and rapid response measures, noting that community transmission remains a risk in remote areas where vaccination coverage is incomplete. UNICEF has supplied educational materials and supported training for school staff on infection‑prevention practices, while the government has pledged to monitor attendance and report any suspected cases to the national Ebola response team. Authorities urge families to remain vigilant, encouraging prompt reporting of symptoms and adherence to public‑health guidelines as the country strives to balance educational needs with ongoing disease control efforts.