Kinshasa, June 10th, 2026 (CPA).- An appeal has been made to authorities, scientists and the community to protect children from the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) currently affecting the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), during a telephone interview on Wednesday with a Children’s Ambassador. “We must mobilize and work together to save lives and protect humanity, particularly children. Human beings remain under constant threat. Nature and forests are full of dangers. Therefore, science and scientists must intensify research efforts to protect the population, especially children, who are the most vulnerable,” said Solange Ghonda, Special Ambassador for Children. “Dear children, even though Ebola has brought many hardships into your lives, know that you are courageous and that you are not alone. Many people are standing by your side to protect, care for and support you,” she added. Mrs. Ghonda reaffirmed her commitment to mobilizing the entire international community to protect African children against Ebola Virus Disease, which she described as a disease occurring exclusively on the African continent.
Women, the primary communication channel for promoting preventive measures
Meanwhile, Solange Ghonda presented women as the foremost communication channel for encouraging adherence to preventive health measures in the fight against the Ebola outbreak in the DRC, including in remote villages. “Congolese women are the primary communication relay in the response to Ebola Virus Disease. They should address this issue more frequently through the media. Their voices, perceived as being closer to everyday family and community life, could have a greater impact on the population and encourage the adoption of preventive measures, including in the most isolated villages,” she said. She stressed the urgent need to involve women more actively in the response and to bring knowledge and accurate information to isolated communities. “It is essential to involve women in the response because of their close ties with local communities. It is also urgent to provide the necessary knowledge and information in the most remote areas, because without prompt intervention and awareness of preventive measures, every new case can become an uncontrollable outbreak. This is where a crucial part of the fight is being played,” she added. “Better information would enable the population to take the necessary precautions and adopt life-saving preventive measures. The fight against Ebola is a collective responsibility that requires solidarity, innovation and partnerships among academic institutions, governments and international organizations,” she said. According to the Special Ambassador for Children, a coordinated effort will help save lives and better protect future generations. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.