The Norwegian Refugee Council has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is depriving hundreds of thousands of children of quality education, with pupils abstaining from classes over lack of prevention measures.

The council said classroom attendance waned due to fear of contracting the communicable disease, as schools were not equipped with hygiene facilities and psychosocial support.

“Children should not be deprived of an education because families fear schools are not safe places to be. And parents should not have to choose between the safety of their children and the desire for them to gain an education and build brighter futures,” Eric Batonon, NRC’s country director in DR Congo, said.

He added that schools “urgently need greater investment in sanitation, hygiene, and infection prevention measures so that children are able to wash their hands and maintain personal space in classrooms.”

Teachers told the NRC that children run away “when they see humanitarian vehicles or staff, associating their presence with the Ebola response.” 

“Health measures and psychosocial support must go hand in hand so that children can return to school and continue learning despite the crisis. For many pupils, this comes after years of disruption. Sustained access to education is essential,” emergency team leader Silvia Beccacece said after visiting Bunia.