UNICEF has warned that nearly 2.95 million children and adolescents in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are at risk as confirmed Ebola cases surpass 1,000. Children account for around 15% of confirmed infections and more than 25% of reported deaths, with younger patients facing significantly higher mortality rates than adults.

The outbreak continues to affect several health zones in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. UNICEF reported that more than 130 children have been orphaned by Ebola in Ituri alone and are receiving psychosocial support, social services, and alternative care arrangements. The agency has also helped establish a nursery for infants and young children separated from caregivers undergoing treatment.

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Beyond the direct health impact, the outbreak is disrupting access to healthcare, nutrition, education, water, sanitation, and child protection services. Existing challenges such as malnutrition, low immunization coverage, conflict, and displacement are further increasing children’s vulnerability across affected communities.

UNICEF is supporting response efforts in both the DRC and Uganda alongside governments, WHO, and Africa CDC. The agency is seeking US$70.7 million for its six-month Ebola response plan and has called for greater humanitarian access and funding to protect children and contain the outbreak.

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