News Center— The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo continues to cast a heavy shadow over children, having claimed the lives of hundreds and forced thousands more to confront fear and psychological trauma.

Save the Children said at least 189 children have died in the latest Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, while thousands of children are suffering from fear and psychological trauma and are in need of psychosocial support services.

The organization added that more than 4,000 children in Ituri province, the epicenter of the outbreak, are currently receiving psychosocial support, after it established safe spaces for children suffering from grief and anxiety, allowing them to play, relax, and begin to recover.

It explained that the disease has changed the way some children interact with one another and with adults, as many now avoid close contact and keep their distance from others.

Since the outbreak was declared on May 15, the disease has had devastating effects on children. According to the latest data from Congo's Ministry of Health, 476 children have been confirmed infected with the disease, while more than 189 have died — representing more than 20% of total confirmed deaths.

The organization explained that many children are living in fear after witnessing illness and death within their communities. Some children are also expected to need temporary care outside their families after being separated from their parents or caregivers due to illness, abandonment, isolation, or death.

For children already displaced by armed conflict in Congo, the outbreak has created a second crisis, leaving many of them feeling fearful, anxious, and hopeless.

Save the Children warned that the effects of prolonged stress and psychological pressure during childhood can extend well beyond the immediate crisis, noting that repeated exposure to harsh conditions, in the absence of adequate support, can lead to long-term consequences for children's cognitive development, emotional well-being, and future physical and mental health.

As the outbreak continues, the organization called on the international community to increase funding allocated to child protection and mental health and psychosocial support services, stressing that current needs far exceed the resources available in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.