Congo Ebola health workers halt duties over unpaid wages
Health workers in Ituri province have stopped work to demand overdue pay, raising concerns about the response to the Ebola outbreak that has killed 580 people.
Health workers in Ituri province, the region hardest hit by Congo's Ebola outbreak, have begun walking off their jobs to protest delayed wages and bonuses that have not been paid since the outbreak was declared on May 15. The unpaid benefits have prompted front-line staff, including clinicians, safety teams and burial crews, to issue a notice demanding payment within 24 hours, and some have already stopped working, although no formal strike has been declared.
The outbreak has resulted in 1,708 confirmed cases and 580 deaths, according to government data, making the first month the deadliest on record. The World Health Organization representative in Congo, Dr. Anne Ancia, said the virus continues to spread, driven by population movements and insecurity, while treatment centers approach full capacity.
"Since the Ebola virus disease outbreak was declared, we've been demanding payment for our work," said Dr. Biensi Kano, a member of the epidemiological surveillance committee in Bunia. He added that the lack of payment creates significant socio-economic difficulties for workers and their families.
Incident manager Akilimali Pierre of the National Institute of Public Health linked the payment delays partly to the closure of Bunia airport, which hampers the flow of funds. Workers staged a protest outside the Rwampara Ebola treatment centre, setting tires alight before police restored order.
Health personnel also reported security threats, including an attack on community investigators in late May. Dr. Ben Bakule described narrowly escaping death when a group of young men assaulted his team while tracing contacts.
Congo's health minister, Roger Kamba, previously assured that the government had funds to fully support doctors, nurses and other staff, but workers say the promised resources have not reached them. Epidemiologist Dr. Ghislain Maneba said staff are working day and night without pay, undermining public confidence in the response.
Local residents expressed worry that the disruption could weaken outbreak control measures. Bunia vendor Anifa Kito urged authorities to resolve the payment issue promptly to avoid further deterioration of daily life.