Young children across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are set to learn about Ebola through puppets, songs, musical games and other play based activities as part of a new initiative aimed at combating misinformation, Ebola denial and the spread of the deadly virus.
The programme developed by Save the Children, targets children as young as four years old and seeks to improve awareness of Ebola while dispelling myths and rumours that have contributed to fear, stigma and resistance to public health measures during the country’s latest outbreak.
The initiative comes as the DRC battles its third deadliest Ebola outbreak on record. According to the Ministry of Health “Ministry of Health Ebola Situation Report” (https://insp.cd/sitrep-n34-mvb_17-06-2026/?utm_), the current Bundibugyo strain outbreak has resulted in about 232 deaths among 896 confirmed cases, including at least 26 children.
Save the Children “Save the Children” (http://www.savethechildren.net/?utm_) said misinformation surrounding the disease has fuelled attacks on health workers and treatment centres while concerns among parents have led to declining school attendance in some communities. Many parents fear their children could contract the virus at school or on playgrounds.
To strengthen prevention efforts, Save the Children in collaboration with the Education Cluster has also launched new guidelines for schools and teachers. The measures include regular handwashing, health screening at examination centres and prompt medical attention for anyone showing Ebola-like symptoms.
Alfred, a 40-year-old teacher in the DRC, said fear has spread rapidly among schoolchildren driven largely by misinformation circulating in communities.
“The rumour is that once a person is infected with this disease, they go to the hospital and only corpses return home,” Alfred explained. “This creates panic among people. Some believe patients are injected with substances that eventually kill them.”
According to Alfred such misconceptions have resulted in nearly empty classrooms with some children avoiding school altogether. In certain areas examinations have been rushed or rescheduled due to concerns over the outbreak.
He also expressed concern about discrimination against children from heavily affected communities saying some students are being isolated or excluded by their peers because of fears surrounding the disease.
Among those affected is 13 year old Alice, who hopes to become a doctor. She told Save the Children that reports of Ebola related deaths have left many children frightened and uncertain.
“Children cannot come to school because of the disease,” she said. “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 and worried.”
Alice added that differing opinions within communities have further complicated efforts to raise awareness.
“When talking about Ebola, some people refuse to believe it exists and say it is a lie, while others accept it,” she said.
Through training provided by Save the Children and local health and education authorities, teachers like Alfred are now incorporating Ebola awareness into daily classroom activities. The lessons focus on understanding the virus, how it spreads and the importance of preventive measures.
As part of its response efforts in Ituri Province the region hardest hit by the outbreak, Save the Children has supplied 33 schools with infection prevention and control kits. These include thermal scanners, handwashing facilities, chlorine supplies and other hygiene equipment.
Dr. Babou Rukengeza, Save the Children’s Ebola Response Lead in the DRC, said community resistance remains a major challenge as infections continue to rise.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing significant community resistance to prevention and treatment measures,” Dr. Rukengeza said. “Some families are refusing to allow health workers to disinfect their homes after a suspected case while others have left isolation facilities despite testing positive.”
He noted that tensions between public health interventions and community understanding of Ebola continue to undermine response efforts.
“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,” he said.
Dr. Rukengeza stressed that while Ebola remains a health emergency, it is also disrupting education and affecting children’s wellbeing.
“We are working to change that through these programmes, using schools to help prevent the spread of Ebola while providing safe and inclusive spaces where children can continue learning,” he added.
Save the Children has operated in the DRC since 1994 and currently works with 13 local organisations, government agencies and international partners to provide support in health, nutrition, education child protection, food security and water, sanitation and hygiene services for children and their families
By: Michael Walier
