DR Congo Ebola Health Workers Strike Over Unpaid Wages

Frontline health workers battling the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo have gone on strike over months of unpaid wages and allowances, raising fears of a setback in efforts to contain the deadly disease.

The affected workers, based mainly in Ituri Province, said they have not received salaries or outbreak-related bonuses since the Ebola outbreak was declared on May 15. They also complained of inadequate protective equipment and poor working conditions.

According to government figures, the outbreak has recorded 1,708 cases and 580 deaths, with health officials warning that infections are spreading faster than response efforts.

The strike coincides with the launch of clinical trials for treatments targeting the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. The World Health Organization has warned that treatment centres are nearing capacity as insecurity and population movements continue to fuel the spread of the disease.

Congolese authorities attributed the payment delays partly to logistical challenges caused by the closure of Bunia airport and said workers’ concerns were being addressed.

Health workers, however, insist they may abandon the response if payments are not made, warning that the crisis could further weaken efforts to contain the outbreak.