Ebola cases in Congo surpass 3,000 as health workers strike over pay
Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have exceeded 3,000, with over 1,300 deaths reported. Health workers at a major treatment center are currently on strike due to unpaid performance bonuses.
Why it matters
The strike threatens to disrupt critical medical care during a severe health crisis, highlighting systemic issues in the management of outbreak responses.
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BUNIA, Congo: The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 3,000, with more than 1,300 deaths, government data showed Saturday, as health workers at a treatment center in the outbreak's epicenter went on strike over unpaid bonuses.</p>
The number of confirmed cases rose to 3,075, including 1,354 deaths, according to the latest figures.</p>
The Elikya Ebola Treatment Center in Bunia, capital of eastern Ituri province, came to a standstill after doctors, nurses and security staff stopped work, with about 100 workers protesting outside the facility.</p>
The workers said they had not received two months of performance bonuses, undermining morale and disrupting care for patients.</p>
“We need to be paid, because in the meantime the disease is spreading at the treatment center,” said Martin Bolombi, one of the striking health workers.</p>
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