Frontline doctors, nurses and community health workers involved in responding to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have gone on strike in parts of Ituri province after months without receiving their salaries or promised risk allowances.

The workers say they have continued treating highly infectious Ebola patients under dangerous conditions while facing shortages of protective equipment and other essential resources.

According to the report, the outbreak has infected more than 1,700 people and claimed over 580 lives, making it one of the country's most severe Ebola crises.

Health workers accuse the government of failing to honour commitments to pay additional hazard bonuses despite the significant personal risks they face.Several medical staff members have reportedly died after contracting the virus during the response.

Doctors involved in the strike said many colleagues have left hospitals out of fear or frustration, raising concerns that the already stretched health system could struggle to contain the disease.

The situation is further complicated by reduced international aid, misinformation within affected communities and longstanding distrust of health authorities.

Although some hospitals continued operating and a number of striking staff later returned to work out of concern for patients, health workers warned that the industrial action could spread if payments are not made.

Many said they felt morally compelled to resume treating patients despite still being unpaid, stressing that those affected by Ebola are members of their own communities.

The dispute highlights the challenges facing Congo's healthcare system during a major public health emergency and the importance of supporting frontline workers if efforts to control the outbreak are to remain effective.