Unpaid Health Workers’ Strikes Deepen Ebola Crisis in DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s response to its rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak is facing severe disruption as frontline health workers protest over unpaid wages and performance bonuses.

The country is battling its 17th recorded Ebola outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus. As of August 9, 2026, authorities had confirmed 4,381 cases and 2,011 deaths, with Ituri province remaining the epicenter. WHO Regional Office for Africa

Doctors, nurses, epidemiological surveillance officers and security personnel say they have gone for months without receiving salaries or bonuses promised after the outbreak was declared on May 15.

The dispute has resulted in strikes and protests at treatment facilities, including the Elikya Ebola Treatment Centre in Bunia. The walkouts have disrupted patient care and placed additional pressure on an already overstretched health system.

Of particular concern is the effect on contact tracing. Surveillance teams are responsible for investigating alerts, identifying people exposed to infected patients and monitoring them for symptoms.

With some workers withdrawing their services, health authorities are struggling to identify new infections early and interrupt transmission. Reports indicate that many new cases are being detected among people who were not already listed as known contacts.

The response has also been affected by shortages of protective equipment, poor infrastructure, insecurity and population movements linked to conflict and mining activities.

There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment specifically for disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, although clinical trials involving potential vaccines and therapies are underway.

Health authorities and international partners have warned that resolving the payment dispute and protecting frontline workers will be essential to bringing the outbreak under control.

Without an effective surveillance system and fully functioning treatment centers, the virus could continue spreading into additional communities and provinces.

Source: Omanghana