Democratic Republic of the Congo - September 2024

The city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a multitude of crises - from insecurity and low teacher salaries to a rapidly spreading mpox outbreak - that have led to frequent and disruptive school closures, severely impacting children's education.

Africa is witnessing an "upward trend" in mpox cases, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) warned on Friday. This year, the continent has reported 24,851 suspected mpox cases, including 5,549 confirmed cases and 643 deaths.

Many schools across eastern DRC have been forced to close for months due to various challenges. Insecurity has been a primary issue in the volatile east, forcing thousands to flee their homes and interrupting children's education.

But in recent months, teachers have also resorted to strikes, downing their tools due to lack of pay and poor working conditions.

"What I want is for my child to study. These strikes don't matter. Let them let our children study like we studied during our time," said Claudine Mabwira, a concerned parent.

Now, the mpox outbreak has emerged as another major obstacle.

Bahala Innocent, the Provincial President of the Teachers' Union in Goma, expressed the educators' concerns.

"Our fear is that many of the children come from different places with their families and therefore we do not know each child, we do not know who they live with, and who they have been in contact with. We ask the government to provide us with health kits so that the teachers are assured of protection against the mpox virus," he said.

The virus spread has compounded the existing challenges of conflict and humanitarian crisis, with children accounting for most of the mpox cases in the area. Babies as young as two weeks old are being diagnosed with this viral illness.

Life in eastern DRC was already exceptionally difficult due to the impact of conflict in nearby regions and a serious humanitarian crisis. The current public health crisis has only exacerbated the situation, making life even harder for tens of thousands of struggling Congolese in Goma and surrounding areas.

SHOTLIST:
Goma, DR Congo - September 2024
1. Various of closed schools, teaching facilities in classroom;
2. SOUNDBITE (Swahili, dubbed in English) Claudine Mabwira, parent (starting with shot 1):
"What I want is for my child to study. These strikes don't matter. Let them let our children study like we studied during our time.";
3. Various of officials at deserted school;
4. SOUNDBITE (French, dubbed in English) Bahala Innocent, Provincial President, Teachers' Union:
"Our fear is that many of the children come from different places with their families and therefore we do not know each child, we do not know who they live with, and who they have been in contact with. We ask the government to provide us with health kits so that the teachers are assured of protection against the mpox virus.";
5. Various of children infected with mpox;
6. Photos showing body of people infected with mpox;
7. Various of children infected with mpox being taken care of, treated in hospital.

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