Ebola in DR Congo: Childhood deaths rise; hopes raised over new vaccine

The Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has claimed the lives of more than 300 children since mid-May, according to UNICEF. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that children and women represent a disproportionate share of cases in Ituri province, where nearly one million people have been displaced by conflict. Nearly a quarter of confirmed cases involve children, yet they account for nearly a third of all deaths, highlighting the virus's severe impact on younger populations.

Healthcare access has plummeted by over 40% in the hardest-hit areas due to fear of infection, the UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq reported. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) warns that maternal deaths in Ituri have nearly doubled since the outbreak began, with six women dying weekly from childbirth-related complications. Ebola infection during pregnancy is associated with almost universal fetal loss, further exacerbating the crisis in a region already grappling with displacement and conflict.

Humanitarian agencies, including the Congolese health ministry, Africa CDC, UNICEF, and WHO, have deployed 13,000 community workers to restore trust and counter misinformation. These workers have reached 2.4 million people with prevention messages and conducted over 500,000 household visits. Their efforts aim to encourage early care-seeking and dispel myths surrounding the disease, which has overwhelmed local health systems.

The WHO Technical Advisory Group has recommended evaluating the existing Ervebo vaccine in a clinical trial for the rare Bundibugyo Ebola species. Preliminary animal studies suggest the vaccine may offer some cross-protection, particularly against fatalities. While Ervebo is licensed for the Zaire species, its efficacy against Bundibugyo remains unproven. The advisory group emphasized that a species-specific vaccine would remain the preferred solution.