Infant’s Burial Highlights Third Orphanage Fatality in DRC Ebola Outbreak BODY: Bunia, DRC – On June 19, 2026, the community of Bunia in Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), gathered for a somber ceremony to lay to rest Vanisa Anifa, a six-month-old girl who succumbed to the Ebola virus. This tragedy marks the third child death at the Saint Nicolas orphanage, operated by the Sisters of Mary.
The child’s burial was conducted with extreme caution, as only Red Cross health workers in protective gear were permitted to handle the coffin, emphasizing the perilous nature of the virus and the necessity of stringent safety measures.
The small coffin was placed in a pre — prepared grave at the Bigo Cemetery, a stark symbol of the epidemic’s relentless spread in the region.
The Ebola outbreak in Ituri has been particularly devastating, with over 90 percent of the cases reported in the region.
The situation has been exacerbated by conflicts between residents and healthcare professionals over burial practices and the militarization of the response efforts.
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, currently circulating, lacks an approved treatment or vaccine. Health workers have reported shortages of personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, crucial for preventing the virus’s spread. With 894 confirmed cases and over 200 deaths, the current outbreak is three times worse than the 2000 Uganda outbreak, but not as deadly as the 2014 epidemic that claimed over 11,000 lives.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies are collaborating with local authorities to contain the epidemic and support affected communities.
The burial of Vanisa Anifa serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the outbreak and the vital role played by healthcare workers and organizations like the Red Cross in combating the disease.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: AfricaNews
