KINSHASA, DRC — Amid the escalating Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), authorities have introduced a vital safety net for the youngest victims of the outbreak. Adjacent to Ebola treatment centers, nurseries have been established to shelter and care for children whose parents have tested positive for the virus. These centers, which provide shelter, daily care, and psychological support, are a crucial measure to safeguard children and reduce the risk of infection, especially where no other family member is able to provide care.
As of June 30, the DRC had recorded 1,406 confirmed Ebola cases, including 438 deaths, due to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which no vaccine or specific treatment exists.
The outbreak’s complexity is exacerbated by the country’s remote regions, population density, insecurity, and high levels of movement. “We separate them, and the child is cared for here while the mother is at the treatment center, “explained Celine Lusinde, head of the child protection office in Ituri Province.
The initiative also addresses the mental health needs of these children, with psychologists on — site to provide support.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that nearly 3 million children and adolescents are at risk from the outbreak and the breakdown of essential services in affected areas.
The nurseries are part of a comprehensive approach to mitigate the impact of the epidemic on children, including infection prevention, childcare, and psychosocial support.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the governments of the DRC and neighboring countries in their efforts to control the outbreak, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.
As the Ebola crisis continues to unfold, the DRC’s establishment of these nurseries highlights the need for holistic responses that prioritize the welfare of the most vulnerable populations.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Dominic Wabwireh
