Democratic Republic of the Congo// — In a new programme supported by Save the Children, the young people are sharing their messages on two local radio stations – Radio Mont Bleu and Radio Télé Salama – reaching a combined estimated audience of over 845,000 listeners.
The 35 children, aged from 8 to 17, are live on air twice a week, while the radio stations also run daily pre-recorded spots of their discussions.
A group of inspiring children are taking to the airwaves in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to bust myths about Ebola and share information on how to stay safe, six months into the country’s worst ever outbreak.
In a new programme supported by Save the Children, the young people are sharing their messages on two local radio stations – Radio Mont Bleu and Radio Télé Salama – reaching a combined estimated audience of over 845,000 listeners. The 35 children, aged from 8 to 17, are live on air twice a week, while the radio stations also run daily pre-recorded spots of their discussions.
Supported by 10 young adults, and often accompanied by music, the children use their own language and insights to share factual information about Ebola, including how it spreads, how to prevent infection, what symptoms to look out for, and where to seek help.
This current outbreak, which was declared on 15 May in Ituri Province in eastern DRC, has spread from a single health zone to 67 health zones in eight provinces with over 11,000 people infected and more than 5300 deaths – one quarter of them children – in the largest ever Ebola outbreak in the country and the second largest globally.
Deborah*, 16, is a youth community leader in Ituri, and has appeared on the radio show. She said:
“I have seen that these broadcasts have truly helped shift mindsets. Previously, some people believed that Ebola was linked to witchcraft or that it was entirely fabricated. Today, many people understand that the disease is real and that it is essential to seek help from healthcare facilities immediately.
“I have also observed tangible changes in my own surroundings. In my neighbourhood, residents have begun washing their hands more regularly at the entrances to their homes and schools. Families now avoid handling the bodies of the deceased without protection, and they alert health teams much more quickly when someone shows suspicious symptoms.
“A neighbour of mine used to claim that Ebola did not exist. After listening to our radio broadcasts, his attitude changed completely. When his brother fell ill with a fever, he immediately contacted the health teams instead of keeping him hidden at home. This action showed that the messages being broadcast had truly taken effect.”
Sandrine*, 13, is a youth leader who has participated in several radio programmes now. She said:
“I am convinced that the radio broadcasts have helped children and families better understand the disease. Every week, many students would come up to me to say they had heard me on the radio. The radio gave us the chance to ensure that children’s voices were heard by many families in Ituri.
“I have also observed positive changes around me. Many children have started washing their hands more regularly, and some parents now encourage their children to follow hygiene and prevention measures. These responses show me that our messages have had a tangible impact on the community.”
Fear, uncertainty and misinformation are major challenges in this outbreak, with many people are worried about Ebola unable to access to clear or trusted information about how it spreads or how to stay safe, said Save the Children.
This programme aims to counter this by giving children a platform to challenge harmful rumours, share accurate health information in a way that resonates with their peers and communities, and build trust in the measures needed to help bring the outbreak under control.
Alain Mukoko, a program manager at Radio Télé Salama, said:
“The moment that left the greatest impression on me was when the children spoke into the microphone with such confidence and conviction. Their enthusiasm, seriousness, and commitment demonstrated that they are fully capable of conveying messages that are both important and useful to society.”
Beyond this radio programme, Save the Children is also using interactive approaches, including games, discussions, to help children understand key messages and stay safe. As well as children becoming sick and dying from the illness, many are being orphaned, separated from loved ones, and missing critical months of education.
Save the Children is also working to keep schools safe from Ebola transmission, listening to communities, gathering feedback and adapting its response to address concerns, reduce fear and build trust.
Greg Ramm, Save the Children’s Country Director in DRC, said:
“Children are not just affected by outbreaks; they can be a powerful part of the response. They know what questions their friends are asking, what rumours are circulating in schools and neighbourhoods, and the fears families are dealing with every day.
“When children are allowed to speak, people listen because they are hearing directly from those living through the crisis. Child-led programmes like this help make health information more relevant, more trusted and more likely to reach the people who need it most.”
Save the Children, which has been in DRC since 1994, partners with 13 local organisations as well as international agencies and government authorities to deliver life-saving support in health, nutrition, education, child protection, food security and water, sanitation and hygiene for children and their families.
