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Unpaid but unwavering, Congo health workers fight spread of Ebola despite months without pay
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Front-line health workers in Congo's eastern Ituri province, including hospital staff like Wiza Bondele, are battling the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record while working without pay since mid-May.
- The outbreak has surpassed 4,000 confirmed cases and 1,800 deaths, primarily linked to the Bundibugyo virus, which currently has no approved vaccines or treatments.
- Payment delays and poor welfare have led to strikes and protests among Ebola response workers, disrupting critical care and undermining morale amid ongoing efforts to contain the virus.
- The response is further complicated by armed conflict, misinformation, public mistrust, and violent attacks on health teams and facilities, hindering prevention measures and contact tracing.
- Despite financial hardship and personal risk, many health workers continue their duties out of commitment, though frustration and discouragement are growing due to unpaid wages and challenging conditions.
