A new school year commenced in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday amid worries from parents and educators about the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region. Despite the escalating crisis, classes have resumed as the virus continues to spread rapidly. Government statistics reveal that as of Tuesday, there have been 2,950 fatalities out of 6,100 confirmed cases since mid-May.

In Ituri province, the epicenter of the outbreak, the teachers’ union had advocated for a delay in reopening schools, but the government decided to proceed with the academic calendar. UNICEF is collaborating with authorities to implement measures to prevent the transmission of the virus within school settings.

Attendance in some schools, particularly government-owned ones in Ituri, was notably low following the restart. Officials in the province did not comment on specific strategies to prevent transmission within classrooms. A parent in Bunia, the provincial capital, expressed surprise at the abrupt reopening and chose to keep her child at home due to perceived inadequate prevention measures.

To address concerns, educational institutions are being equipped with non-contact infrared thermometers, hand sanitizers, and hand-washing facilities. Teachers are actively educating students on adhering to hygiene protocols, emphasizing regular handwashing and the use of sanitizers.

However, challenges persist, with many schools lacking access to clean water and insufficient funding. Delivering necessary equipment and learning materials, especially in remote areas, presents logistical hurdles. Children under the age of four have the highest fatality rate of 60% in the current outbreak, according to health data.

With the outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, health officials are racing to contain its spread across more than 60 health zones. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the outbreak could surpass the regional crisis in West Africa between 2014 and 2016. Health workers in affected regions have staged strikes due to delayed payments, impacting the response efforts.

Efforts to combat the disease are hindered by the absence of an approved vaccine or treatment. Distribution of the Ervebo vaccine has begun in Congo, offering some degree of protection, according to WHO assessments. The conflict between the government and rebel factions, attacks on healthcare personnel, and population displacement have further complicated containment efforts.

In summary, the reopening of schools in Congo amidst the Ebola crisis remains a contentious issue, with stakeholders advocating for enhanced safety measures and continued vigilance against the spread of the virus.