Bunia Schools Reopen
Schools reopened in Bunia, eastern DRC, on Tuesday, with students returning for the 2026-2027 academic year under heightened health measures as Ebola continues to spread across Ituri province.
Footage shows children arriving with their parents, washing their hands and undergoing temperature checks before entering school and attending their first classes.
“I feel reassured about sending my children to school because I know the preventive measures are being followed. And beyond that, it is important for our children’s education,” said Esperence Bagba, a parent.
Students Return Amid Fears
Student Bisubu Jeanne said the return came at a difficult time, particularly for younger pupils.
“Things are a little complicated at school,” she added. “But the ministry has assured us that adequate measures have been put in place to allow us to get through this school year safely.”
Schools Tighten Health Measures
School staff said they were focusing on physical distancing and preventing close contact between children, particularly during breaks.
“We are very well prepared for this <…> We are doing everything we can to make sure everything goes smoothly without any cases of the disease occurring,” stressed Marc Valentin Muhima, prefect of studies.
Ebola Outbreak Raises Concerns
Teachers’ unions had called for the reopening to be postponed over infection risks, but authorities went ahead on September 1, with Ituri at the epicentre of the outbreak.
The DRC has received an initial allocation of 70,000 Ervebo vaccine doses, including 20,000 for a clinical trial assessing protection against the Bundibugyo virus.
More than 6,000 confirmed cases and 2,911 deaths have been reported since the outbreak was declared in May 2026.
Article by Viory
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