In a recent effort to combat the spread of Ebola virus disease (EVD), the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) conducted an awareness-raising session for over 2,000 students from Fabia School Complex in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The session, which took place on October 1, 2026, aimed to educate students on the prevention of EVD, its main modes of transmission, and the behaviors to adopt to reduce the risk of infection.
The awareness-raising session was interactive, fostering dynamic exchanges between the students and INSP teams on EVD prevention measures. A practical demonstration of hygienic hand washing was also organized to strengthen the adoption of proper practices within the school community. This hands-on approach allowed students to better understand the importance of proper hygiene in preventing the spread of EVD.
According to the Congolese press agency, the INSP provided Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to the school to enable the continuation of these awareness-raising activities. This move is expected to sustain the momentum of EVD prevention efforts in the school setting. By empowering students with knowledge and skills, the INSP aims to contribute to better community preparedness in the face of Ebola virus disease.
Ms. Fura Fifi, head of Fabia School Complex, welcomed the initiative, noting that it meets a genuine need and should be regularly repeated in schools. Her sentiments reflect the importance of integrating EVD prevention into school curricula and activities. By doing so, schools can play a critical role in promoting community awareness and reducing the risk of EVD transmission.
The INSP's efforts to strengthen information and prevention in school settings are part of a broader strategy to combat EVD in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By targeting schools, the INSP aims to reach a wider audience and promote a culture of prevention and preparedness. This approach is critical in the context of EVD, which requires a multi-faceted response that involves communities, schools, and healthcare systems.
The sensitization session at Fabia School Complex is one of several initiatives undertaken by the INSP to raise awareness on EVD prevention. Similar efforts have been conducted in other parts of the country, including Butembo, where older people were encouraged to raise awareness on Ebola prevention. These initiatives demonstrate the INSP's commitment to promoting community-based EVD prevention and control measures.
The collaboration between the INSP and schools in Bunia highlights the importance of partnerships in promoting public health. By working together, schools, healthcare systems, and community organizations can leverage their resources and expertise to promote EVD prevention and control. This collaborative approach is critical in the context of EVD, which requires a sustained and multi-faceted response to prevent and control outbreaks.
Key points
- Over 2,000 students from Fabia School Complex in Bunia were sensitized on Ebola prevention measures by the National Institute of Public Health.
- The INSP provided Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to the school to enable the continuation of EVD awareness-raising activities.
- The initiative aims to strengthen information and prevention in school settings to contribute to better community preparedness in the face of Ebola virus disease.
