Ebola remains a serious global health threat. Since the outbreak was officially declared on May 15, the number of cases has risen to 1,048, including 267 deaths. Data as of Sunday indicated that 371 patients were in isolation or hospitalized, while 112 had recovered. The overall mortality rate stood at 25.5 percent.

Reports on Ebola indicate that the number of confirmed cases is increasing weekly, signaling community transmission. Experts have warned that the spread of the infection could accelerate further if public health measures are not implemented immediately.

In light of the rising Ebola cases, UNICEF—an organization dedicated to saving children's lives and protecting their rights—has also issued an alert. UNICEF warned that the health of approximately 2.95 million children and adolescents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is at serious risk.

Let us understand why this warning is being issued and whether Ebola is disproportionately affecting children.

Ebola poses multiple risks

Before understanding the warning issued by UNICEF, it is essential to grasp the current situation regarding Ebola.

The Bundibugyo strain is believed to be responsible for this Ebola outbreak. Currently, there is no vaccine or effective treatment to protect against this strain. According to the news agency Xinhua, UN humanitarian workers warned on Friday that overcrowding and poor sanitation in displacement camps in the Congo are increasing the risk of Ebola spreading.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated that more than 270,000 people—predominantly women and children—are sheltering in over 60 locations across Ituri province. Many of these locations lack adequate access to water, sanitation, and healthcare services.
According to recent reports, at least 13 people have died in two camps in Bunia, the capital of Ituri.

Teams are urgently investigating whether these deaths are linked to Ebola. Since April, at least 62 deaths have occurred in camps surrounding the city.

OCHA stated that these deaths are taking place amidst a major Ebola outbreak in Bunia. The risk of infection persists in displacement camps due to factors such as a lack of trust in health facilities, overcrowding, insufficient preventive measures, and the unsafe handling of bodies.

It is worth noting that Congo's Ituri province remains the epicenter of the disease, accounting for more than 90 percent of confirmed cases.

Health of 3 million children at risk

Meanwhile, UNICEF has expressed concern regarding the health of children in the affected areas. In a statement issued on June 22, UNICEF warned that approximately 2.95 million children and adolescents aged 18 or younger, living in 31 affected areas, are at serious risk. This figure represents nearly 54 percent of the total local population.

These children face risks not only from the Ebola virus itself but also from the disruption of healthcare services and other essential amenities.

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