Frontline medical staff at Ebola treatment facilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are continuing their work despite not receiving wages, according to multiple workers interviewed about the ongoing outbreak in the region.
Nurse Sophie Mwadawa Kabundo and hygiene worker Martin Bolombi, both stationed at the Elikya treatment centre in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, expressed concerns about their safety while treating infected patients and acknowledged missing paychecks. Bolombi reported receiving pay only for June despite working since May, and was among approximately 100 staff members who participated in a strike last month to protest unpaid bonuses. Both workers described the psychological toll of potential infection and the risk of transmitting the virus to their families, yet continue performing their duties as patient numbers increase.
Senior UN Ebola coordinator Julien Harneis stated that the outbreak has claimed over 2,500 lives and is spreading exponentially across an area larger than France. He reported that 160 healthcare workers have contracted Ebola, with 43 fatalities among that group. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo species of the virus, for which no approved treatments or vaccines currently exist, though clinical trials are underway. Harneis indicated that available funding would be depleted within weeks and called for increased international aid to support response efforts.
The World Health Organization projects the outbreak could surpass the 2014-16 West African epidemic, which resulted in over 28,600 cases and 11,325 deaths. The virus has spread to six of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s 26 provinces, with Ituri province accounting for over 4,200 confirmed cases. Uganda reported 20 cases and two deaths before declaring itself Ebola-free in late July.
Multiple factors are complicating containment efforts, including community mistrust, misinformation, and inadequate infrastructure. Health officials noted that fear and rumors are preventing people from seeking treatment at health centers, while attacks on medical facilities have also hindered response operations.
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