In Beni Health Zone, 292 out of the 295 Community Action Cells (CAC) members paid a visit to 36,107 households. They reached 119,071 people, of which 45,104 were women and 24,352 were children. The Code of Conduct, which includes PSEA, was signed by the MOH in coordination with Psychosocial, Vaccination commissions. Healthcare and household facilities that surround the new confirmed cases have been decontaminated and mattresses in the households have been replaced.

As of 31^st October this year, eight cases of Ebola have been confirmed, with the latest case being reported on 30^th October 2021. Five of the eight cases that were reported were female while three were male. Within the Beni Health Zone, three Health Areas have now reported cases. These areas are Bundji, Butsili, and Ngilinga. There have also been reports of death, with 6 lives having been lost. One person has tested negative while another is currently still undergoing treatment in the General Reference Hospital’s temporary Ebola Treatment Centre in Beni.

As of 31^st October 2021, children under the age of 5 represent 50% of all cases which comprises 3 females and 1 male, with only 10% of contacts being listed. Children under the age of 5 are listed from eight of the 19 Health Areas of Beni Health Zone. Preliminary sequencing that was performed indicates that this outbreak could likely be linked to the 2018-2020 Nord Kivu/Ituri 10th Ebola outbreak and was caused by transmission from a constantly infected survivor or a survivor who went through relapse.

In everything they do, UNICEF is working to promote the wellbeing and rights of every child. In collaboration with its partners, UNICEF works in 190 territories and countries to convert that dedication into practical action, laying focus on the special effort needed to reach the most vulnerable and excluded children, in order to benefit all children everywhere. As of 31^st October, 552 active contacts are being investigated from living in 14 of the 19 Beni Health Zone’s Health Areas. Of these 552 contacts, 63.8% have received vaccination against either the previous or the current outbreak.