Ebola Outbreak Worsens in DR Congo as Health Workers Protest Unpaid Salaries

Ebola Outbreak Worsens in DR Congo as Health Workers Protest Unpaid Salaries

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s efforts to contain its worsening Ebola outbreak have suffered a major setback after health workers at a key treatment centre staged a strike over months of unpaid salaries, disrupting critical response operations as the virus spreads to more parts of the country.

The industrial action began on Monday at Rwampara General Hospital in Ituri Province, the epicentre of the outbreak.

The workers, including epidemiologists, contact tracers, ambulance drivers, laboratory personnel and burial teams, suspended their duties, saying they had not received their salaries for months.

The walkout comes as Congolese health authorities confirmed that Ebola has spread to two additional northeastern provinces, Haut-Uele and Tshopo, raising the number of affected provinces to five and heightening fears that the outbreak could become even more difficult to contain.

Health experts say the response has been hampered by persistent insecurity in eastern DR Congo, where armed groups continue to operate, making it dangerous for medical teams to reach some communities.

Misinformation about the disease, distrust of health authorities and the continued practice of traditional burial rites have also complicated efforts to stop transmission.

The World Health Organization has called for an intensified response from the Congolese government and its international partners, warning that swift action is needed to prevent the outbreak from spreading further.

According to the latest official figures, the country has recorded 1,926 Ebola infections and 702 deaths since the outbreak began.

Humanitarian organisations have also warned that the expanding outbreak increases the risk of the virus crossing into neighbouring South Sudan.

DR Congo’s Health Minister, Roger Kamba, acknowledged the payment crisis last week, saying the government was working to resolve salary delays and verify payroll records to ensure legitimate workers receive their outstanding wages.

Meanwhile, German health authorities confirmed that a second American citizen infected with Ebola has been admitted to a specialised isolation unit at Frankfurt University Hospital.

The man, believed to be in his 60s, reportedly contracted the virus while working for a Christian humanitarian organisation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is said to be in stable condition.

The current outbreak is regarded as one of the most severe Ebola epidemics in the country’s history, with public health officials warning that sustained funding, community cooperation and timely support for frontline workers will be crucial to preventing further loss of life.