Ituri: Using puppets, songs, and musical statues, children as young as four in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are being taught about Ebola in a new programme that aims to tackle misinformation, Ebola denial, and protect families. According to African Press Organization, the series of play-based learning activities, developed by Save the Children, is set to be rolled out across the DRC to increase children's awareness of the virus and dispel myths and rumours. This effort is designed to stem the spread of the DRC's third worst Ebola outbreak on record.
Fear and misinformation have contributed to attacks on health workers and treatment centres, as well as declining school attendance in parts of the DRC, Save the Children reported. Parents have expressed concerns about their children contracting the illness in class or the playground. In response, Save the Children, in collaboration with the Education Cluster, has launched new guidance for schools and teachers on preventing the risk of Ebola exposure. This includes promoting handwashing, screening at examination centre entrances, and providing quick treatment for Ebola-like symptoms.
Alfred, a 40-year-old schoolteacher in the DRC, noted that fear has spread among children in his classrooms almost as rapidly as misinformation in communities about the latest strain of Ebola, Bundibugyo. According to the Ministry of Health, this strain has claimed about 232 lives so far among 896 cases, including at least 26 children. This situation has led to nearly empty classrooms, with some children hiding in bushes and end-of-year exams being rushed or rescheduled. Alfred is concerned about stigma and discrimination, as children from highly affected areas face exclusion by classmates, but he remains committed to raising awareness.
Alfred explained that rumours about the outbreak, officially declared on 15 May, spread through battery-less radios, where false information circulates via conversations and social media, resulting in denial of Ebola and distrust in healthcare and schools. He shared a prevalent rumour: "Once a person is infected with this disease, they go to the hospital. From there, only corpses return home." This has created panic, as people believe patients are injected with water, which they think is what kills them.
Alice, a 13-year-old student who dreams of becoming a doctor, shared her fears with Save the Children in Ituri, the worst-hit area. She said, "Children cannot come to school because of the disease. When I hear what people are saying, they say many have died from Ebola. They tell us to protect ourselves and keep our distance. It makes me very scared, very worried."
With training from Save the Children, alongside local health and education authorities, teachers like Alfred have integrated Ebola awareness into daily school life, educating students about the virus's nature and prevention measures. As part of its Ebola response in Ituri, Save the Children has provided 33 schools with complete infection prevention and control kits, including thermal scanners, handwashing devices, chlorine, and hygiene equipment.
Dr. Babou Rukengeza, Save the Children's Ebola Response Lead in the DRC, stated, "Unfortunately, we are seeing significant community resistance to prevention and treatment measures, as case numbers rise. Some families are refusing to allow health workers to disinfect their homes after a case is suspected, and we have also seen unfortunate cases where people with Ebola have chosen to leave isolation facilities."
"We understand people are fearful, and we need to do everything we can to help communities understand why certain prevention and response measures are in place," Dr. Rukengeza added. "While Ebola is primarily a health crisis, it also has significant impacts on education systems, disrupting learning and affecting children's wellbeing. We are working to change that through these programmes, using schools to help prevent the spread of Ebola and serve as a critical platform for response as well as a safe, inclusive space for children."
Save the Children has been operating in the DRC since 1994, partnering with 13 local organisations, as well as international agencies and government authorities, to deliver life-saving support in health, nutrition, education, child protection, food security, and water, sanitation, and hygiene for children and their families.