Nearly 3M children, adolescents face rising risks amid Ebola in DR Congo: UNICEF

Congo has reported over 1,000 confirmed cases of Ebola, including 254 deaths, since the outbreak was declared on May 15, with a mortality rate of 25.3%, according to the latest Health Ministry update.

The virus has concentrated in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.

In a statement, UNICEF said beyond infection and loss of parents and caregivers, children face stigma, and psychosocial distress.

“Our teams in Ituri have met children who have lost their mothers, and in some cases both parents, to Ebola,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

“Children are trying to make sense of the threat while surrounded by rumors and online misinformation.”

According to UNICEF, despite fluid situation, children and adolescents account for approximately 15% of confirmed Ebola cases and over 25% of confirmed deaths in Congo as of June 19.

In Ituri province alone, according to UNICEF, 135 children have been orphaned by the outbreak, and are receiving support, including with psychosocial care, referral to essential social services, and alternative care arrangements.

Children and adolescents with confirmed Ebola are said to be almost twice as likely to die as adults, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the outbreak on younger populations.

“Infectious disease outbreaks also increase the risk of violence, including sexual violence, against women and girls. Children may also lose access to the services they depend on – health care, nutrition, immunization, education, water and sanitation, child protection, and social services.”

UNICEF has made initial funding appeal of $70.7 million for its six‑month response, with $20 million still unfunded, as part of the multi-partner Ebola preparedness and response continental plan to contain the spread of the disease.