Healthcare workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have begun leaving their jobs at clinics and treatment centers, protesting against unpaid wages and bonuses. While no official strike has been declared, the action is taking place at the epicenter of the current Ebola outbreak in Ituri province. The workers state they have not been paid since the outbreak was declared on May 15. In addition to healthcare workers, safety and security teams responsible for identifying Ebola cases in the community are also striking.
The Impact on Ebola Response
The strike is threatening efforts to slow an outbreak that officials say continues to spread faster than the response. Dr. Biensi Kano, a member of the epidemiological surveillance committee in the capital of Ituri, Bunia, told the Associated Press that workers have been demanding payment since the outbreak began. “Since the Ebola virus disease outbreak was declared, we’ve been demanding payment for our work,” Kano stated. He further noted that the non-payment of benefits “exposes us and our families to significant socio-economic difficulties and seriously undermines our living conditions.” Beyond wages, workers have alleged that they are working with limited gear and are being treated unfairly by authorities and response teams. The strike arrives at the same time that enrollment for clinical trials for the treatment of the Bundibugyo strain is beginning.
Government Response and Logistical Challenges
Government officials in Ituri have acknowledged the situation and reported meeting with the workers. Akilimali Pierre, the incident manager at Congo’s National Institute of Public Health, explained that the closure of the Bunia airport has hampered the implementation of the response and the flow of funds. “The fact that Bunia airport is closed is hampering the very implementation of the response, particularly certain aspects of the flow of funds. This is one of the reasons that may account for the delay in payment,” Pierre told the Associated Press.
CDC Staffing and Global Coordination
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designated the Ebola outbreak as a level 1 response, the highest level of activation. Acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, sent an email to agency employees stating that the outbreak is the third-largest in history and requires a renewed call for frontline responders. Bhattacharya noted that the CDC’s involvement will last for several months and requires additional personnel. “The coming months will require us to make hard decisions about how to prioritize work, especially programmatic activities in [CDC centers, institutes, and offices, or CIOs],” Bhattacharya wrote. He encouraged staff to enroll in the CDC Ready Responder program. However, some staff have suggested that the agency needs to hire more scientists to address the Ebola outbreak, as well as domestic measles outbreaks, foodborne illnesses, and New World screwworm. The CDC has made only 38 new hires this fiscal year.
Current Outbreak Statistics
As of July 7, there were 1,708 confirmed Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases and 580 deaths reported in the DRC, with 20 confirmed cases and two deaths in Uganda. BNO News data indicates that the total number of cases across the region has reached 1,729, with 582 deaths. The outbreak remains centered in Ituri, but cases have been confirmed in Haut-Uele, North Kivu, and South Kivu. Additionally, the Uganda Ministry of Health reported a positive case of Marburg, a related hemorrhagic fever, on July 4. International Medical Corps is supporting 89 facilities across the region, having provided treatment to 422 patients, including 132 confirmed Ebola cases, and has trained 2,208 people in the DRC on case management and transmission prevention.
Consultation Recommendation
Readers seeking information regarding the health risks associated with the Ebola virus or the status of the ongoing outbreak should consult with qualified public health professionals or official health agencies, as this information does not constitute medical advice.
Find more reporting in our 健康 section.