Schools in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province have reopened for the new academic year as communities grapple with an Ebola outbreak and growing concerns over the risk of transmission among students.
Classes have resumed with heightened health precautions, particularly in areas affected by the outbreak, as teachers, parents and local authorities attempt to keep children in school while limiting their exposure to the virus.
Schools are introducing measures including regular handwashing, avoiding physical contact and discouraging students from sharing food. Handwashing facilities have also been installed in classrooms, while movement and interaction between pupils are being more closely controlled.
Parents have also been advised to reinforce preventive measures at home and remind children to avoid unnecessary physical contact at school.
The reopening has raised particular concerns because of the large number of students attending some schools in Ituri, where individual institutions can accommodate hundreds of pupils. Community representatives have warned that failure to follow preventive measures could increase the risk of transmission.
According to Africanews, members of the Ebola response effort are working with local communities to encourage schools to strictly follow health guidelines.
UNICEF is also supporting authorities with measures aimed at preventing transmission within schools.
The outbreak has placed additional pressure on communities already facing significant challenges, with health authorities working to contain the spread of the disease while schools attempt to maintain normal education.
The situation is being closely watched as students return to crowded classrooms across affected areas of eastern DR Congo.