Two babies have died from Ebola at a church-run orphanage in Bunia, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, exposing how vulnerable children are in the current outbreak.
Baby Buswaza, less than two weeks old, died days after arriving at the orphanage following her mother’s death in late May. Tests later confirmed Ebola. A second infant, a triplet nicknamed “Cherie,” died Wednesday at the Evangelical Medical Centre after testing positive. Six other babies were treated as suspected cases — five have since tested negative and were discharged Tuesday.
Medical staff say children make up about 17% of confirmed cases in this outbreak, driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain. The WHO warns they face higher risk of severe illness and death. Malnutrition is a major factor: a 2023 survey found 52% of kids under five in Ituri province are chronically malnourished. Many at the orphanage are also survivors of armed conflict.
Three caregivers, including a nun, have tested positive. The Belgian-era orphanage now gets daily health checks. Nuns there say it’s been “very emotional” as they care for 69 children while fearing stigma.
Ebola spreads through bodily fluids, and the virus has been found in breastmilk and placentas. Buswaza was buried in a sealed, child-sized body bag to prevent further transmission. Aid groups say they have stocks of child-sized bags ready for safe burials.
“This epidemic has hit an area already in humanitarian crisis,” said Save the Children’s Babou Rukengeza. “This place is the only refuge for these children.”
