Dozens of health workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo are protesting unpaid wages and bonuses, leading to the abandonment of several health facilities at a critical juncture of the country's Ebola outbreak. The demonstrators, gathered at the governor's office in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, are demanding payment for their work since the outbreak was declared in mid-May.
Ituri province accounts for nearly 90% of the Ebola cases in the country. This is not the first time health workers have stopped working due to pay issues, as protests over wage disputes have occurred for weeks. Workers stated that the ongoing payment delays jeopardize the efforts to control the epidemic.
"With this way of managing things, Ebola will not end in this province. We ask the authorities to get involved at all levels so that a solution is found quickly," said Edouige Makosi, one of the protesters.
Officials have previously cited logistical challenges as the reason for the payment delays. Congolese authorities have not yet responded to requests for comment.
The welfare of frontline responders has been a significant concern throughout the outbreak, which is the second-largest in history and is unfolding in one of Congo's most remote and vulnerable regions. In addition to payment issues, many health workers and facilities have faced attacks from rebels and agitated mobs.
During a visit to Congo on Wednesday, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for authorities to prioritize the care and support of those responding to the outbreak.
Doctors Without Borders recently stated that the outbreak continues to spread at an "alarming and unprecedented rate." The organization also noted that the ongoing response, despite expanding measures, is "still not reaching communities quickly enough to break transmission chains."