disaster
DR Congo: Young children paying the highest price one month since DRC declared new Ebola crisis – Save the Children
By Save the Children ReliefWeb
· June 15, 2026
· 5 min read
. The outbreak declared on 15 May has rapidly become the third largest ever recorded in the DRC, with some 782 confirmed cases and 181 confirmed deaths, according to latest figures from the Ministry of Health, and children are among the most vulnerable, said Save the Children. While young children r
Key takeaway Children aged 14 or under are more than twice as likely to die after contracting the illness than patients aged 15 to 44, according to a Save the Children analysis of the figures [1].
Why this matters
The rapid spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo has significant implications for the country's most vulnerable population: young children. With a case fatality rate more than twice as high as other age groups, children under 14 are disproportionately affected by the outbreak. The scarcity of basic supplies, such as protective equipment and essential medicines, exacerbates the risk of infection and death. Furthermore, the social and economic consequences of the outbreak, including family separation, interrupted healthcare services, and limited access to education, threaten to have long-lasting effects on children's well-being. As the outbreak continues to spread, it is crucial that humanitarian efforts prioritize the needs of children, including providing access to healthcare, nutrition, and protection services. The bravery and resilience of health workers responding to the crisis are noteworthy, but addressing the underlying social and economic factors contributing to the outbreak's severity is essential to mitigating its impact on children and communities.
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 15, 2026 Source: ReliefWeb Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? . The outbreak declared on 15 May has rapidly become the third largest ever recorded in the DRC, with some 782 confirmed cases and 181 confirmed deaths, according to latest figures from the Ministry of Health, and children are among the most vulnerable, said Save the Children. While young children r
When was this published? This article was first published on June 15, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Save the Children 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 .
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