Protect Uganda-DRC Border Communities from Ebola

Dear Donor,

Children must not be overlooked during an Ebola response.

The DRC's outbreak has reached 7,475 confirmed cases and 3,605 deaths, according to WHO data through 16 September.

Development Alert continues promoting school-based health awareness because schools can become powerful platforms for building community resilience.

Our activities emphasize age-appropriate hygiene education, handwashing, responsible information sharing and encouraging children to communicate illness concerns to trusted adults.

We also emphasize that children should never be expected to diagnose or manage suspected Ebola cases themselves.

Teachers and school administrators can help ensure that accurate information reaches families and that rumors are addressed responsibly.

Another priority is preventing stigma. A child whose family has been affected by Ebola should not be bullied, isolated or blamed.

Schools can provide a supportive environment where children learn both health protection and compassion.

We encourage parents and teachers to reinforce consistent messages about hygiene and responsible health-seeking behavior.

School preparedness also helps protect education continuity. When communities understand how to respond to health threats, schools may be better positioned to maintain safe learning environments.

Development Alert therefore views schools not only as places of education, but also as important community health platforms.

When one child learns a protective habit, that lesson can reach an entire household. When an entire school understands preparedness, the benefit can extend throughout the surrounding community.