Back to School: Schools Are Reopening, But They Are Not Yet Safe for Children Living in Conflict and Ebola Affected Areas

As schools reopened across the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, children face a dual crisis of conflict and Ebola that is undermining their right to safe education. This briefing highlights how the 2026 Ebola outbreak, ongoing violence and displacement have left schools without the water, sanitation, hygiene and infection prevention measures needed to protect students and staff. In Ituri, where Ebola risks are highest, 92% of schools lack access to a water source and attendance has fallen sharply despite high reopening rates. Fear of Ebola, stigma, attacks on schools, displacement and severe underfunding are preventing children from accessing education and critical health information.
There is an urgent need for increased investment in school safety, water infrastructure, Ebola preparedness and education funding, alongside stronger protection of schools from conflict, to ensure children can continue learning safely and help prevent the further spread of Ebola.