In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the director of Education and New Citizenship in the North-Kivu 2 education province, Norbert Bisimwa, has called on parents to reinforce protection for their children against the Ebola virus outside of school hours. This appeal comes as a dozen children, including students, are being treated for Ebola in the city of Beni. Bisimwa made the remarks after visiting several public and private schools in Beni to assess their adherence to Ebola prevention measures.
According to Bisimwa, schools in the region continue to implement prevention measures recommended by health authorities, making them relatively safe spaces for students. He emphasized that educational institutions play a vital role in teaching children behaviors that help prevent the spread of the disease. In schools, children are taught and encouraged to follow daily hygiene and protection rules that reduce the risk of contamination.
Bisimwa highlighted the importance of schools as safe environments where children learn to observe proper health measures. He stated that schools remain the ideal educational setting, where children learn to adopt health protocols, and that the commitment to preventing the Ebola virus is evident in these institutions. However, he noted that efforts to protect children from Ebola must extend beyond school premises.
The education official stressed that parents must continue to monitor their children at home and limit their presence in areas that could facilitate the spread of the disease. He advised parents to keep a close eye on their children after school hours and prevent them from gathering in places such as markets, funerals, and social gatherings where health conditions may not be guaranteed.
Bisimwa discouraged children from attending places where the risk of Ebola transmission is high, such as funeral gatherings and markets. He urged parents to ensure their children adhere to health guidelines outside of school to prevent the spread of the virus. By doing so, parents can complement the efforts made in schools to protect children from Ebola.
Despite the ongoing epidemic, education authorities are advocating for schools to continue operating normally. Bisimwa believes that maintaining regular school activities is compatible with the fight against Ebola, provided that prevention measures are strictly adhered to in all educational institutions. This stance is supported by the fact that schools have been successful in implementing prevention protocols.
The call for vigilance comes as health authorities continue their efforts to contain the epidemic in the Beni region, where several children are among the cases being treated. By working together, schools and parents can help prevent the spread of Ebola and ensure a safe learning environment for students. The collaboration between education officials and parents is crucial in the fight against the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Key points
- DR Congo education officials urge parents to protect children from Ebola outside school hours.
- Schools in North-Kivu 2 province continue to implement Ebola prevention measures.
- Education authorities advocate for normal school operations despite the Ebola epidemic.
