In Ituri province, parents and teachers are urging a delay in the September 1 school reopening because of the Ebola outbreak and insufficient protective measures, putting safety first over education.

They emphasize that protecting children comes first, even as they recognize the importance of schooling, and call for an outbreak assessment before any in-person classes resume.

The Ituri teachers union and local parents stress health and safety as prerequisites to reopening, seeking enhanced prevention measures and clear plans.

The Ebola outbreak has expanded from three health zones to nearly sixty, driven by insecurity, displacement, health workers’ strike, and large population movements that hinder containment.

Containment is challenged by ongoing insecurity, displacement, a workers’ strike, and mass movement, making outbreak control more difficult.

The rapid spread in a volatile setting underscores the need for thorough assessments before any return to schools or public gatherings.

Efforts to control the outbreak include public health measures and some government-provided health equipment, but advocates say more must be done to build community trust and acceptance of prevention strategies.

The UN appeals for an additional $1.1 billion to fund response, with a current plan of $2.13 billion only about 48% funded and at risk of running dry.

The Ituri outbreak is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history, with thousands of confirmed cases and deaths reported by Congolese health authorities.

The Bundibugyo virus behind this outbreak has no approved vaccines or treatments yet, though vaccine and therapy trials are underway in the region.

Public health measures such as limiting gatherings and border controls have disrupted life across six provinces and eroded trust, highlighting the need for clear information for schools, teachers, and families.

Children four and under face the highest case-fatality rate, about 60%, intensifying parental concerns about returning to classrooms.