Health workers disinfect a coffin for a suspected Ebola victim in Bunia, eastern DR Congo, on Thursday. GRADEL MUYISA MUMBERE/REUTERS
Global humanitarian groups are urging governments and partners to place children at the center of the response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, warning that conflict, malnutrition and fragile healthcare systems are putting young people at heightened risk.
Organizations including UNICEF and Save the Children say the impact of the outbreak extends far beyond infection, with disruptions to healthcare, nutrition, education and protection services threatening to deepen vulnerabilities among children living in communities already grappling with years of violence, displacement and weak public services.
The DR Congo has reported more than 1,000 confirmed cases, including 267 deaths, with an overall case fatality rate of 25 percent, according to its Health Ministry.
Authorities say surveillance, community outreach, case management and laboratory capacity are being strengthened to contain the outbreak.
