Our impact during DRC’s Ebola outbreak

Dear Friend, Support from donors makes it possible for us to remain flexible and responsive in an unpredictable world — strengthening communities before crises occur and mobilizing quickly when new emergencies develop. Today, we’re helping children and families facing a rapidly growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).   Healthcare workers in the DRC are in a race to screen and protect children and families from the deadly Ebola outbreak. The outbreak is spreading through communities already affected by conflict, displacement and hunger. For children, the consequences can be devastating. Beyond the threat of illness, many face disrupted education, separation from caregivers and significant emotional distress. Thanks to the support of our global humanitarian community, Save the Children is already responding. Having worked in the DRC for more than three decades, we have the relationships, expertise and infrastructure needed to act quickly when children are at risk. Today, we’re supporting 34 health centers in the areas most affected by the outbreak. We’re training frontline health workers to identify cases early, reduce transmission and continue providing essential care for children and families.   Save the Children is providing infrared thermometers, gloves, masks, shields and chlorine solution to health clinics in DRC to support decontamination processes. Together, we’re helping provide health, nutrition, education and child protection services to families in the DRC, including:   Establishing screening points at supported facilities to assess and identify Ebola. Creating isolation spaces to safely care for patients and prevent infection spread. Disinfecting health facilities, increasing access to safe water, and providing essential protective equipment for frontline health workers. Providing treatment for children with acute malnutrition and support for infant feeding. Distributing food assistance and cash support to families affected by illness, quarantine, or loss of income. Establishing effective safety measures in schools that remain open, including handwashing facilities, hygiene supplies, screening at school entrances, and teacher training. Sharing life-saving information in schools to help children understand how to protect themselves and their families. Providing continued learning for students whose schools have closed through home-based materials and educational radio programs in local languages. Tracking attendance and supporting children to return to school safely once they reopen. Providing case management, family tracing, reunification and safe alternative care options for children who have been separated from or who have lost caregivers. Delivering psychosocial support to help children and caregivers cope with fear, grief, and uncertainty. Preventing and responding to increased risks of child labor, early marriage, and gender-based violence, while tackling stigma against affected families. As a breastfeeding mother, Marléne is especially worried about how easily Ebola can spread. At a Save the Children clinic, she’s getting the information she needs to keep her daughter safe. Marléne* recently brought her 2-month-old daughter, Deborah*, to a Save the Children health facility for routine vaccinations. During her visit, they were both screened for Ebola, and Marléne learned practical steps to help protect Deborah from the virus and prevent the spread of Ebola within her community. In facilities supported by Save the Children, families are receiving not only essential healthcare, but also the knowledge and support to keep their children safe. We’re also helping children access protection services, psychosocial support and safe care arrangements when children lose a caregiver or are separated from loved ones. Schools are receiving hygiene supplies and handwashing stations, and teachers are learning how to keep kids safe and continue their education whenever possible. Learn more about our full emergency response in the DRC made possible with your support. At a time when fear and uncertainty are growing, your support will help provide something every child deserves: care, protection and hope. Thank you for your commitment to children. With gratitude, The Save the Children team P.S. As we work to contain the virus, we need more support. Please consider making a gift today to fuel our emergency response in the DRC.     Privacy Policy | Contact | Unsubscribe   © 2026 Save the Children Federation, Inc. 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 400 Fairfield, CT 06825 1-800-728-3843 Photo: Patou Dombi/Save the Children *Names changed for protection