Ebola workers strike as DR Congo death toll tops 1,400

Healthcare workers at an Ebola treatment centre in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo, have walked off the job, demanding two months of unpaid salaries. The strike comes as the death toll from the ongoing outbreak spikes past 1,400, threatening to undermine containment efforts.

Workers Demand Back Pay

The striking employees at the Bunia treatment facility say they have not received wages for two months, leaving them in financial distress. Without payment, many are unable to cover basic needs, including transportation to work and food for their families. The work stoppage has forced the centre to reduce operations, potentially delaying care for new patients and disrupting the monitoring of suspected cases.

Outbreak Reaches Grim Milestone

Confirmations of Ebola cases continue to rise in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, where the epidemic began over a year ago. The death toll has now exceeded 1,400, making it the second deadliest Ebola outbreak in history, after the 2014–2016 West Africa epidemic. Health officials warn that the true number of infections may be higher, as community mistrust and insecurity have hampered surveillance.

Strike Adds to Response Challenges

The walkout compounds existing difficulties in curbing the virus. Health workers have faced attacks from armed groups and resistance from local communities suspicious of foreign medical teams. The United Nations and the World Health Organization have repeatedly called for increased funding and security to support frontline responders. Without a resolution to the pay dispute, the strike could allow the virus to gain ground in areas already struggling to contain it.

The government has acknowledged the salary arrears but has not yet announced a timeline for payment. Negotiations between health authorities and striking workers are ongoing, but no breakthrough has been reported. International partners are urging all parties to resolve the issue quickly to prevent further loss of life.