DRC Ebola Response Stopped by Workers’ Pay Protests

Efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have been disrupted after frontline health workers protested over unpaid salaries and allowances, raising fresh concerns about the emergency response in the country.

Dozens of Ebola response workers demonstrated outside treatment centres in Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu in Ituri Province, saying they had not received salaries and risk allowances for nearly three months. In Mongbwalu, police dispersed protesters after the demonstration disrupted activities at a treatment facility.

In a letter addressed to President Felix Tshisekedi, the workers said the delayed payments had weakened morale and threatened the effectiveness of efforts to contain the outbreak. The Congolese government had not publicly responded to their demands at the time of reporting.

The response has also been hampered by security incidents in several affected communities. In Niania, youths blocked a United Nations World Food Programme helicopter from landing and threw projectiles at an Ebola treatment centre, prompting police to fire warning shots. In Beni, an ambulance transporting a suspected Ebola patient was vandalised, while rumours of a possible curfew triggered protests in Butembo.

According to the latest government figures, the outbreak has recorded 3,802 confirmed cases and 1,707 deaths since it was declared on May 15. Health officials continue to warn that delayed payments, insecurity, and community resistance could further complicate efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

SOURCE: Reuters