Healthcare workers and frontline staff in Bunia, Ituri province—central to Congo's ongoing Ebola crisis—have staged another strike over unpaid salaries, exacerbating challenges in managing the outbreak.The walkout follows similar protests in nearby areas like Rwampara, where workers cited financial grievances as a key issue.As of Wednesday, confirmed Ebola cases in Congo reached 2,011, with 754 fatalities, according to government data.
Despite efforts to contain the Bundibugyo virus outbreak since May 15, new cases continue to rise rapidly, with 80% linked to unknown transmission chains, per WHO reports.Striking workers at Bunia General Hospital blocked hospital entrances, citing months of unpaid wages despite working under extreme conditions.
Residents expressed frustration over the lack of compensation for those combating the epidemic, noting that healthcare personnel are critical to community safety.The Ministry of Health reported 366 recoveries and 753 patients in isolation, though contact tracing remains incomplete at 67% coverage.
The strikes highlight systemic issues in resource allocation and worker support during public health emergencies, raising concerns about sustainability of outbreak response efforts.