Health Workers Strike at Congo Ebola Center Over Pay Issues

A strike occurred on Monday at the Rwampara General Hospital in Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, where dozens of frontline health workers halted operations due to unpaid salaries and missing bonuses. This protest comes during the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak recorded in Africa, with the virus spreading to two additional provinces.

Striking staff, including epidemiologists, case investigators, ambulance drivers, and specialized gravediggers, blocked roads and burned tires, refusing to work until they receive two months of back pay. The outbreak is particularly concerning as it is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments.

The Congolese health ministry, led by Minister Roger Kamba, stated that the government is verifying payroll lists to address issues of ghost workers. Currently, there are 1,926 confirmed Ebola cases and 702 deaths, with numbers expected to rise as the strike continues.