The Ebola outbreak that began in mid-May in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has resulted in the deaths of more than 300 children, according to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Children represent nearly a quarter of confirmed cases but account for almost a third of all deaths.

The crisis is most severe in Ituri province, where nearly one million people have been displaced by conflict, with women and children comprising around 80% of those displaced, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported. Women and children continue to bear a disproportionate share of the outbreak's impact.

The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus, has severely disrupted essential healthcare services. UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq noted that in the hardest-hit areas, health service usage has dropped by more than 40% in recent months due to fear of infection, deterring many pregnant women from seeking care. Approximately six women die each week from childbirth-related complications, and Ebola infection during pregnancy is linked to nearly universal fetal loss.

In response, the Congolese health ministry, alongside partners including the Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa CDC), UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO), has deployed around 13,000 community workers to aid containment efforts. WHO convened advisory groups after the outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 16 May.

Health experts have urged trials of the only vaccine against Ebola to help halt the spread of the Bundibugyo strain.

Sources