Over 1,900 Children Orphaned or Separated by Ebola in Eastern DR Congo, UNICEF Reports

More than 1,900 children have lost or been separated from one or both parents or caregivers due to an Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since May, UNICEF announced on 6 October 2026.

According to data collected with the Provincial Division of Social Affairs (DIVAS) as of 28 September, 1,581 affected children have been identified in Ituri province and 322 in North Kivu. UNICEF noted that actual numbers are likely higher, as tracking is limited to areas where the agency collaborates with local authorities. An additional 214 children living and working on the streets in Bunia have been identified as requiring protection from infection, exploitation, and violence.

UNICEF's analysis of Ministry of Health data indicates that children are disproportionately impacted by the disease. As of 29 September, at least 2,076 children had confirmed cases of Ebola and at least 1,162 had died. While children account for over one in four confirmed cases, they represent approximately one in three deaths. For children under five with confirmed infections, the fatality rate stands at seven in ten, with many dying before reaching medical care.

Nationally, the outbreak has recorded more than 8,224 confirmed cases and 3,982 deaths across seven provinces as of 29 September, with Ituri remaining the most affected province. Health efforts face additional complexity due to regional instability, as the virus spreads across areas hosting approximately 4.4 million internally displaced persons.

In response, UNICEF currently supports 12 nurseries adjacent to Ebola Treatment Centres across Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu to care for exposed or unaccompanied children and facilitate symptom monitoring. The agency, alongside DIVAS, has also provided family tracing, reunification, alternative care, and psychosocial support services.

UNICEF is calling for the integration of nurseries into every treatment centre, enhanced paediatric clinical care, and the deployment of additional social workers. To sustain operations, UNICEF is seeking $150.8 million for its overall response, including $113.4 million for the DRC, where only $40.1 million has been secured to date.

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