Schools reopen in Congo's Ebola epicenter
The new academic year has begun in Congo despite concerns from parents and teachers and an Ebola outbreak that has caused 2,950 deaths.
Across Congo, the new academic year began on Tuesday despite the ongoing risk posed by the country's Ebola outbreak. Parents and teachers at the epicenter of the outbreak are concerned about the children's safety.
Education Begins in the Shadow of the Ebola Outbreak
The new academic year in Congo resumed nationwide on Tuesday, despite the ongoing risk the Ebola outbreak poses to children and the concerns of parents and teachers.
Low Attendance and Reactions at the Epicenter
Although the teachers' union in Ituri province, the epicenter of the outbreak, had called for classes to be postponed, the government pushed forward with the process resolutely.
Measures Taken and Infrastructure Deficiencies
Education officials stated that they attempted to equip schools with contactless thermometers, hand sanitizers, and handwashing basins.
The Outbreak's Toll and Spread Rate
According to the latest official data, the death toll from the outbreak has reached 2,950, and confirmed cases have totaled 6,100. It was reported that children aged 4 and under fall into the highest group with a case fatality rate of 60 percent.