The Democratic Republic of Congo’s, DRC, battle against Ebola is facing fresh uncertainty as frontline health workers threaten to stop work over months of unpaid wages and allowances.
Doctors, nurses, epidemiologists, drivers, burial teams and other response workers in Ituri Province, the epicentre of the outbreak, say they have not received salaries or bonuses since the government declared the outbreak on May 15.
Many also complain about poor working conditions and inadequate protective equipment, the protest has already disrupted operations at several Ebola treatment centres.
At Rwampara General Hospital, workers shut down parts of the facility and blocked access roads while demanding immediate payment of their outstanding wages, similar demonstrations have taken place at treatment centres in Bunia. The strike threat comes at a critical time.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the current outbreak has become the fastest growing Ebola epidemic on record as officials warn that the real number of infections could be two to four times higher than official figures because many cases remain undetected.
The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has infected nearly 2,000 people and killed more than 700. Unlike previous Ebola outbreaks, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain, making rapid detection and community response even more important.
Congolese Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba acknowledged delays in paying workers, blaming administrative problems and inaccurate payroll records.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) says it is working with authorities to speed up payments after committing $2 million to support the emergency response.
Meanwhile, the WHO has warned that funding shortages could further weaken efforts to contain the outbreak. The agency says it has received less than half of the $115 million required for the emergency response, raising concerns that the crisis could worsen if support does not increase.
