disaster
DR Congo: "We may see more children affected in the days ahead” – UNICEF warns as Ebola spreads in eastern DRC
By UN Children's Fund at ReliefWeb
· June 12, 2026
· 5 min read
Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda . What I saw there stays with you. "The context is the first thing that hits you. Eastern DRC has endured decades of conflict. Many children and families have been displaced. Hospitals and clinics are often short on supplies. People are constantly
Key takeaway "The context is the first thing that hits you.
Why this matters
The Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo poses a significant threat to vulnerable children, who are already struggling with chronic malnutrition and limited access to healthcare. With more than half of children under five chronically malnourished and over one in five having never received basic vaccinations, the region's children are particularly susceptible to the disease. As the outbreak evolves, the risk of household transmission increases, which could lead to a surge in cases among children. The lack of an approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo species of Ebola further complicates the response efforts, emphasizing the need for robust preparedness and infection prevention measures. The situation is exacerbated by the region's history of conflict and displacement, which has eroded trust in healthcare services and hindered surveillance and response efforts. As the outbreak continues to spread, it is crucial for humanitarian organizations and healthcare providers to prioritize community engagement and trust-building to effectively respond to the crisis.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ReliefWeb . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: disaster ·
Published: June 12, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda . What I saw there stays with you. "The context is the first thing that hits you. Eastern DRC has endured decades of conflict. Many children and families have been displaced. Hospitals and clinics are often short on supplies. People are constantly
When was this published? This article was first published on June 12, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by UN Children's Fund at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more disaster coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .