Kinshasa, August 7: The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has tragically resulted in the deaths of 330 children. The most significant impact has been felt in Ituri Province, where essential health services are severely affected, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
As of August 2, there have been 743 confirmed cases of Ebola among children aged 17 and under in the DRC, with 330 fatalities reported.
According to a report by Xinhua News Agency, nearly one in four confirmed cases involves children, yet they account for almost one-third of the deaths. Children under five years old are particularly vulnerable, with a mortality rate more than double that of adults.
UNICEF has indicated that the outbreak has led to a significant decline in vaccinations, maternal health services, and other critical healthcare services for children. Many families are unable to seek treatment due to fears of infection and barriers at health centers.
John Agbor, UNICEF’s representative in the DRC, stated, “The Ebola outbreak is severely affecting the entire health system. It is also impacting cases of malaria, diarrhea, and other treatable diseases, which are among the leading causes of child mortality.”
On Wednesday, the international medical aid organization Doctors Without Borders warned that the situation in eastern DRC has become “more serious than ever.” The organization noted that the disease is spreading at an alarming and unprecedented rate, with no signs of slowing down.
As of Tuesday, since the outbreak was declared on May 15, there have been 3,973 confirmed cases of Ebola in the DRC, resulting in 1,801 deaths.
In a related development, health officials halted a passenger boat outside Kinshasa on Wednesday. This action was taken following the death of a former passenger suspected of having Ebola.
The boat had arrived from the Ebola-affected Tshuapa Province and was stopped approximately 65 kilometers from central Kinshasa. Health Minister Roger Kamba reported that an alert was issued after a passenger disembarking in Mongala Province exhibited symptoms such as fever and diarrhea, leading to their subsequent death.
Kamba added, “We are taking precautions. Currently, this is only a suspected case, and it has not been confirmed.”
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya later informed that security and health monitoring measures have been established around the boat. Additionally, all passengers and crew members have been screened with the help of a mobile laboratory.
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