Health Workers in DR Congo’s Ebola Outbreak Strike Over Unpaid Wages

Healthcare workers at the centre of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s latest Ebola outbreak have gone on strike over delayed salaries and bonuses, raising fears that efforts to contain the deadly virus could be severely disrupted.

The strike involves doctors, nurses, epidemiologists and other front-line workers in Ituri province, the region hardest hit by the outbreak. Many of the workers say they have not received their wages or risk allowances since the Ebola outbreak was officially declared on 15 May.

Health professionals have also complained about poor working conditions, including limited protective equipment and what they describe as unfair treatment by authorities and response teams.

Dr. Biensi Kano, a member of the epidemiological surveillance committee in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, said workers have repeatedly demanded payment for the critical services they are providing during the health emergency.

According to the latest government figures, the outbreak has already recorded 1,708 cases, including 580 deaths. Health officials have described the first month of the outbreak as the worst on record, with the virus spreading faster than response efforts can contain it.

The strike comes at a crucial moment as authorities begin enrolling patients in clinical trials for treatments targeting the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which is responsible for the current outbreak.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the situation remains serious. WHO representative in Congo, Dr. Anne Ancia, said the virus continues to spread due to population movements and insecurity in affected areas, while some treatment centres are operating near full capacity.

Frustrated workers say the lack of payment has created severe financial difficulties for them and their families, making it increasingly difficult to continue working under dangerous conditions.

Over the weekend, front-line workers issued an official notice to national and provincial authorities, threatening to strike if their payments were not made within 24 hours. By Tuesday, some workers had already stopped carrying out their duties.

The strike extends beyond medical staff and includes security teams, community outreach workers and those responsible for safely burying Ebola victims.

Officials in Ituri say discussions have been held with the workers and that their concerns are being addressed. Authorities have blamed some of the payment delays on logistical challenges, including the closure of Bunia airport, which has complicated the transfer of funds and response operations.

The crisis has also highlighted the dangers faced by health workers. Some have reportedly been attacked by residents who remain skeptical about the existence of Ebola or frustrated by restrictions imposed during the outbreak.

Community investigator Dr. Ben Bakule said he narrowly escaped an attack while tracing contacts of an infected person in Djugu territory. He warned that many workers may abandon their duties if conditions do not improve.

Despite previous assurances from Health Minister Roger Kamba that all response workers would receive full support and adequate funding, many front-line staff insist that little has changed.

Residents in Ituri are now calling on authorities to resolve the dispute quickly, fearing that the strike could weaken efforts to contain the outbreak and worsen the humanitarian situation in the region.