Ebola Kills More Than 300 Children in DR Congo, UN Says
More than 300 children have died from Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since the latest outbreak began, according to figures released by the United Nations and its children’s agency, UNICEF.
As of August 2, 2026, health authorities had recorded 743 confirmed Ebola cases among children aged 17 and below, including 330 deaths, UNICEF said. Children account for nearly one-quarter of confirmed cases but almost one-third of recorded deaths.
The outbreak, centred largely in Ituri Province in northeastern DRC, has become one of the fastest-growing Ebola outbreaks recorded. Overall cases have surpassed 4,000, with more than 1,800 deaths reported, according to UN-linked figures.
UNICEF warned that the impact extends beyond Ebola infections themselves. Fear of the virus, shortages of health workers and disruption to medical services have contributed to a sharp decline in essential healthcare, including childhood immunisation and safe deliveries, particularly in the outbreak’s epicentre.
Young children are particularly vulnerable. UNICEF said children under five have experienced a case-fatality rate more than twice that of adults, highlighting the severe impact of the outbreak on the youngest patients.
The outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus, for which there is no specifically approved vaccine. Health authorities have nevertheless expanded vaccination and other preventive measures while clinical trials and efforts to improve treatment continue.
The response has been complicated by armed conflict, limited healthcare infrastructure, community mistrust and shortages of funding and medical personnel. Health workers have also faced difficult conditions while attempting to trace contacts and identify new infections.
UN agencies are urging greater international support to strengthen surveillance, treatment, vaccination and essential health services, warning that continued disruption could produce consequences far beyond the immediate Ebola outbreak.
