Ebola Tragedy at Bunia Orphanage Highlights Child Risks in Congo Outbreak

In late May 2024, newborn Buswaza, less than two weeks old, was admitted to a church-run orphanage in Bunia, Ituri province, after her mother died. She developed a fever and died of Ebola, confirmed by the Evangelical Medical Centre (CME). A second infant, a triplet known as “Cherie,” later tested positive and also died. Six other infants were flagged as suspected cases; five tested negative and were returned after isolation.

The Independent

The orphanage, founded by Belgian nuns, houses 69 children, many survivors of armed conflict. It sits at the epicentre of an Ebola outbreak that has infected ~600 people and killed at least 115 across the Democratic Republic of Congo. The rare Bundibugyo strain is poorly understood, especially in children. UNICEF estimates children account for about 17 % of confirmed cases and warns the outbreak could surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic. A 2023 Ituri survey found 52.1 % of children under five are chronically malnourished, compounding vulnerability.

The Straits TimesThe Independent

Sister Clarisse thanked hospital staff for their care, while Dr. Freddy Kibwana confirmed the second infant’s death. UNICEF’s Douglas Noble warned that infected children could deteriorate rapidly in the fragile context. Save the Children’s Babou Rukengeza described the outbreak as striking an area already in humanitarian crisis. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies supplied child-sized, sealed body bags for dignified burials.

The Straits Times

UNICEF cautioned that pre-existing malnutrition and low vaccination coverage could reduce survival odds for infected children, highlighting systemic health gaps that exacerbate the outbreak’s impact.

The Straits Times

UNICEF’s estimate that children represent 17 % of cases lacks a precise death count, and the exact number of child fatalities remains unknown. Limited epidemiological data on the Bundibugyo strain leaves uncertainty about disease severity and appropriate treatment for infants.

The Straits Times

• “We thank the hospital staff, we are very grateful.” — Sister Clarisse, nun

The Independent

• “The child has left us.” — Dr. Freddy Kibwana, head of CME

The Independent

• “We are nuns but we are also humans and it has been very emotional,” — unnamed sister, Bunia orphanage

The Straits Times

• “In this fragile context, children could deteriorate more quickly if they become infected,” — Douglas Noble, UNICEF

The Straits Times

• “This epidemic has hit an area already in humanitarian crisis,” — Babou Rukengeza, Save the Children

The Straits Times

Health teams now conduct daily checks of all children and staff at the orphanage. The Red Cross continues to provide child-sized body bags for safe burials, while UNICEF and partners monitor the outbreak’s trajectory and prepare to scale response measures if needed.

The Straits Times