Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Kills 961 Children
Save the Children says 961 children have died from Ebola in DR Congo since May, with those under five accounting for most of the reported child deaths.
- 961 children killed
- 2,071 children infected
- Under-fives worst affected
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has killed 961 children since May, according to Save the Children.
The organisation said an average of seven children are dying from the disease each day, citing figures from the country’s Ministry of Health.
Since the outbreak was detected on May 15, at least 2,071 children under the age of 18 have contracted Ebola, with 961 of them dying.
Children under five have been particularly affected, accounting for 623 of the reported child deaths.
Save the Children said children aged four and below have a case fatality rate of 61%, compared with an overall rate of 48% for the outbreak.
The charity has therefore called for stronger measures to protect children, particularly those under five, as health authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak.
More than 8,000 Ebola Cases Recorded
According to the latest Health Ministry figures cited by Africanews, more than 8,300 Ebola cases have been recorded since the outbreak began.
At least 4,018 people have died, with communities in eastern parts of the country continuing to face the impact of the outbreak.
Save the Children said the high number of deaths among children highlights the need for increased attention and protection for vulnerable groups.
The organisation is urging authorities and partners involved in the response to strengthen measures aimed at protecting young children from the deadly disease.
