{"id":11322,"date":"2026-06-24T06:08:29","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T06:08:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=11322"},"modified":"2026-06-24T06:08:55","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T06:08:55","slug":"11322","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=11322","title":{"rendered":"Ebola Cases Reach 1,000 in Eastern DR Congo, Nearly 3 Million Children Face Growing Humanitarian Crisis: UNICEF."},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

Ebola Cases Reach 1,000 in Eastern DR Congo, Nearly 3 Million Children Face Growing Humanitarian Crisis: UNICEF.<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

New York:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the number of confirmed Ebola cases worldwide surpassed 1,000, UNICEF has issued an urgent warning that nearly three million children and adolescents in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are facing escalating risks from the deadly disease and the collapse of essential social services.<\/p>\n

According to UNICEF, an estimated 2.95 million children and adolescents under the age of 18\u2014representing more than half of the population across 31 affected health zones\u2014are vulnerable not only to Ebola infection but also to the devastating secondary impacts of the outbreak, including loss of caregivers, disruption of healthcare, education, and heightened protection risks.<\/p>\n

Children Bearing the Heaviest Burden<\/h4>\n

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said the outbreak is having a particularly severe impact on children, many of whom have already lost parents and family members to the disease.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur teams in Ituri have met children who have lost their mothers, and in some cases both parents, to Ebola,\u201d Russell said. \u201cChildren are trying to make sense of the threat while surrounded by rumors and online misinformation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Children and adolescents currently account for approximately 15 percent of confirmed Ebola infections in eastern DRC. More alarmingly, they represent more than 25 percent of Ebola-related deaths, according to data collected up to June 19. UNICEF noted that children with confirmed Ebola infections are nearly twice as likely to die from the disease as adults, underscoring their heightened vulnerability.<\/p>\n

Ituri Province Remains Epicentre<\/h4>\n

The outbreak continues to be concentrated in Ituri Province, particularly in the health zones of Mongbwalu, Rwampara, and Bunia. Cases have also been reported in neighboring North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.<\/p>\n

The epidemic has left a growing number of children without parental care. UNICEF reported that at least 135 children orphaned by Ebola in Ituri are currently receiving support services, including psychosocial counseling, referrals to social services, and placement in alternative care arrangements.<\/p>\n

To address the needs of vulnerable children separated from their families, UNICEF has supported the opening of the first specialized nursery for infants and young children whose parents or caregivers are undergoing treatment in Ebola treatment centers. Two additional nurseries are expected to become operational in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n

Existing Vulnerabilities Worsen Crisis<\/h4>\n

Even before the Ebola outbreak, children in Ituri faced severe challenges. More than half of children under the age of five suffer from chronic malnutrition, while vaccination coverage remains critically low. UNICEF estimates that more than one in five children have never received a first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine.<\/p>\n

Health experts warn that these conditions increase the danger posed by Ebola. Early symptoms of Ebola often resemble common illnesses such as malaria, making diagnosis difficult. Malnourished children are also more susceptible to severe complications and death.<\/p>\n

Rising Risks Beyond Infection<\/h4>\n

UNICEF emphasized that the consequences of the outbreak extend far beyond the virus itself. Children are increasingly exposed to stigma, trauma, and psychological distress following the loss of loved ones and community disruption.<\/p>\n

The agency also warned that infectious disease outbreaks often lead to increased violence against women and girls, including sexual violence. Additionally, children risk losing access to critical services such as healthcare, nutrition programs, immunization campaigns, education, clean water, sanitation, child protection services, and social support systems.<\/p>\n

These challenges are compounded by years of armed conflict and mass displacement across eastern DRC, where many communities were already struggling with insecurity and humanitarian needs long before the current Ebola emergency.<\/p>\n

Cross-Border Spread Raises Regional Concerns<\/h4>\n

The outbreak has also affected neighboring Uganda. Authorities have confirmed 20 Ebola cases and two deaths among individuals who traveled from the DRC seeking medical testing and treatment.<\/p>\n

Children have also been impacted in Uganda. One child has tested positive for Ebola, while 19 others are currently under quarantine and being closely monitored by health officials.<\/p>\n

The cross-border cases have heightened concerns about regional transmission, prompting intensified surveillance and preparedness measures.<\/p>\n

International Response Underway<\/h4>\n

UNICEF is working closely with governments, the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa CDC, and other partners to contain the outbreak. Current efforts include infection prevention and control measures, contact tracing, safe and dignified burials, community engagement programs, and awareness campaigns involving young people and local leaders.<\/p>\n

At the same time, humanitarian agencies are striving to maintain essential services, including healthcare, nutrition support, immunization, education, water and sanitation programs, and child protection services in affected communities.<\/p>\n

Funding Gap Threatens Response<\/h4>\n

To support emergency operations over the next six months, UNICEF is seeking US$70.7 million. However, the agency reports that US$20 million of the required funding remains unmet, potentially limiting response efforts at a critical stage of the outbreak.<\/p>\n

UNICEF has also called for immediate, safe, and sustained humanitarian access to affected communities, many of which remain difficult to reach due to insecurity and logistical challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cChildren are especially vulnerable because they depend on caregivers and cannot distance themselves from a sick parent or sibling in the same way that an adult can,\u201d Russell said. \u201cTo better protect children, we need sustained access, and the resources needed to reach every affected community.\u201d<\/p>\n

As health authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak, aid organizations warn that the coming months will be crucial in preventing further loss of life and protecting millions of children caught at the center of one of Africa\u2019s most serious public health emergencies.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ebola Cases Reach 1,000 in Eastern DR Congo, Nearly 3 Million Children Face Growing Humanitarian Crisis: UNICEF.   New York:   As the number of […]<\/p>\n

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