Women and girls pay high price in DR Congo Ebola outbreak
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has disproportionately affected women and girls, who are often on the frontlines of caregiving for sick family members without protective equipment. This role puts them at higher risk of infection, with over 54% of confirmed patients being women and 51% of those aged 10-17 being girls. The situation is compounded by fears of separation from children, stigma, and abuse when seeking treatment.
Why it matters
This highlights a critical gender-specific vulnerability in public health crises, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and support systems that acknowledge and address the unique challenges faced by women and girls in caregiving roles during epidemics.
The deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has taken a disproportionate toll on women and girls, many of whom are on the frontlines caring for patients as well as their own families despite the high risk of infection.
This is evident in the city of Bunia, epicentre of the crisis, said Dr. Setcheme Mongbo, UN Women Representative in the DRC, speaking on Friday following a recent visit to the city.
"Women are not only present in health facilities as attendants, but also in communities and homes where they care for the sick, provide them with food and water, and even participate in washing corpses as well as funeral activities," she said, speaking from Kinshasa to journalists in Geneva.
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