Bunia: Red Cross Uses Schools to Fight Ebola

The Red Cross Ituri chapter organized an awareness campaign at the Mayaribu Institute in Dele, a locality heavily affected by the Ebola outbreak. On November 9, 2026, volunteers educated students and community members on prevention and protection measures against the virus. The campaign aimed to strengthen knowledge on how to prevent and protect against Ebola, with a focus on barrier measures, hygiene practices, and early reporting of suspected cases.

During the campaign, volunteers emphasized the importance of regular handwashing with soap and clean water, avoiding direct contact with sick or deceased individuals without proper protection, and limiting non-essential physical contact. They also encouraged the community to report suspected cases promptly, citing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding. This enables rapid response and care by health services.

The awareness campaign included educational sessions, practical demonstrations of handwashing, and interactive exchanges with students and teachers. Volunteers explained how the virus is transmitted, ways to protect oneself, and the importance of reporting suspected cases without fear or hesitation. Students were encouraged to become community relays, spreading prevention messages to their families and neighborhoods.

The Red Cross Ituri chapter is conducting similar activities in the Dele health area, visiting schools, markets, water points, and households to strengthen community vigilance and contribute to disrupting the virus transmission chain. These efforts are carried out in collaboration with health teams in the Rwampara health zone, focusing on prevention, community mobilization, and dissemination of reliable information.

The initiative was well-received by the community and school authorities at Mayaribu Institute. It fostered collective engagement in favor of daily application of barrier measures. Through this mobilization, the Red Cross Ituri chapter calls on the population to remain vigilant, reject rumors, and collaborate closely with health agents. Community engagement is crucial to protecting human lives and contributing to ending the Ebola epidemic.

The Red Cross efforts in Bunia are part of a broader strategy to combat the Ebola outbreak in the region. By engaging with local communities, particularly through schools, the organization aims to empower individuals with knowledge and practices that can help prevent the spread of the virus. This approach complements the work of health authorities and other stakeholders in the fight against Ebola.

As the situation with the Ebola outbreak continues to evolve, the Red Cross Ituri chapter remains committed to playing a vital role in prevention and awareness efforts. By sustaining community engagement and promoting protective measures, the organization hopes to contribute significantly to containing the epidemic and protecting the health and well-being of the affected populations.

Key points

• Red Cross volunteers educate students and community members on Ebola prevention and protection measures in Bunia, DRC.
• The campaign focuses on barrier measures, hygiene practices, and early reporting of suspected cases.
• Community engagement is crucial to protecting human lives and contributing to ending the Ebola epidemic.