Medical staff battling the Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo have warned they will walk off the job due to non-payment of their salaries. This development occurs as the World Health Organization suggests the actual number of infections could be up to four times higher than current official records indicate.
Since the outbreak was officially identified on May 15, nearly 2,000 cases have been confirmed, with over 700 resulting in death. However, WHO experts note that the real impact of the virus likely exceeds these figures significantly.
Operations have been hindered by protests, most notably at the Rwampara treatment center in the Ituri province. Staff there recently blocked access and burned tires to express frustration over working without pay for months. Dr. Pascal Bahoya noted that while staff uphold their professional oath to treat patients, the environment is exceptionally challenging.
The workers have issued a 48-hour ultimatum, promising a complete work stoppage if wages and bonuses are not provided. Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba has publicly acknowledged these payment delays, attributing them to organizational errors and promising a swift resolution.
The impact on medical personnel is significant, with 112 staff infected and 35 fatalities reported by the national health institute. The Bundibugyo strain of the virus currently lacks a specific vaccine or targeted treatment, and it has spread across five provinces in the eastern region, an area already suffering from long-term conflict and poor sanitary conditions.
With $1.5 billion in international aid pledged to assist the country’s fragile health infrastructure, officials remain concerned that the true reach of the epidemic is still not fully understood.
