Global Ebola Cases Reach 1,000, UNICEF Warns of Impact on Children
NEW YORK/KAMPALA/KINSHASA, 22 June 2026 – With the total of confirmed Ebola cases hitting 1,000, UNICEF has alerted that around 2.95 million children and adolescents aged 18 and under are at risk in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This group makes up 54 percent of the population in 31 health zones currently affected by the virus.
“Our teams in Ituri have encountered children who have lost their mothers, and sometimes both parents, due to Ebola,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “These children are trying to navigate this terrifying situation amidst a sea of rumors and misinformation online.”
As of 19 June, children and adolescents represent about 15 percent of confirmed Ebola cases and over 25 percent of the associated fatalities in eastern DRC. Worryingly, children diagnosed with Ebola are nearly twice as likely to succumb compared to adults, showcasing the outbreak’s severe impact on younger individuals.
While there has been some improvement in testing capabilities, challenges remain in surveillance and contact tracing—especially due to ongoing security issues and difficult access, making current estimates somewhat uncertain.
Ituri Province, particularly in the health zones of Mongbwalu, Rwampara, and Bunia, continues to see the highest number of cases, with additional reports from North Kivu and South Kivu. In Ituri alone, 135 children orphaned by the outbreak are receiving assistance, which includes psychosocial care and referrals to essential social services and alternative care.
Recently, a nursery has been established with UNICEF’s support—a secure space for infants and young children separated from their parents while they are being treated for Ebola. Two more nurseries are planned to open soon.
Before the outbreak, children in Ituri were already in a precarious situation. Over half of the children under five years old suffer from chronic malnutrition, and vaccination rates are alarmingly low; more than one in five has never received a first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine. Such conditions not only increase the risk of Ebola but also complicate the identification of early symptoms, which can resemble other common illnesses like malaria, causing delays in treatment.
Children also face stigma and psychological distress as a result of the outbreak. In addition, infectious diseases often lead to increased violence, especially against women and girls. The loss of access to vital services such as health care, education, and nutrition further exacerbates their plight. The situation is particularly dire in eastern DRC, where years of conflict and mass displacement have repeatedly exposed children to violence and exploitation.
In Uganda, there have been 20 confirmed Ebola cases and two deaths among individuals who traveled from the DRC seeking testing and treatment. Among them, one child has tested positive, while 19 others are under quarantine.
In both DRC and Uganda, UNICEF is collaborating with the government and partners, including WHO and Africa CDC, to manage the outbreak by focusing on infection prevention, contact tracing, dignified burials, and community engagement involving youth and local leaders. Concurrently, UNICEF aims to maintain essential services such as health care, nutrition, education, and sanitation.
UNICEF is seeking $70.7 million for a six-month response plan, with $20 million still requiring funding. This is part of the broader collaborative Ebola Preparedness and Response Continental Plan aimed at controlling the outbreak. Additionally, UNICEF is requesting immediate, safe, and uninterrupted access to communities affected by the crisis.
“Children are especially vulnerable because they rely heavily on caregivers and can’t create distance from an ill parent or sibling in the same way adults might,” Russell noted. “To better safeguard these children, we need ongoing access and the necessary resources to engage every affected community.”
