Congo Ebola response hit as unpaid health workers protest in Ituri

Bunia,UPDATED: Aug 6, 2026 15:08 IST

Dozens of health workers at the centre of Congo's Ebola outbreak protested on Thursday over unpaid wages, leaving several health facilities as aid agencies warned that the outbreak is spreading rapidly. The workers said they have not received wages and bonuses for their Ebola work since the outbreak was declared in mid-May.

The protest took place at the governor's office in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, which accounts for nearly 90 per cent of the country's Ebola cases. The workers are the latest group to stop work after protests over pay began weeks ago, raising fresh concern over the response to what is the second-largest Ebola outbreak in history.

The protesters included nurses providing critical care to Ebola patients. "With this way of managing things, Ebola will not end in this province. We ask the authorities to get involved at all levels so that a solution is found quickly," said Edouige Makosi, one of the protesters.

Officials have previously blamed logistical problems for delays in payment. Congolese authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

Conditions for frontline workers have remained a major concern during the outbreak, which is unfolding in one of Congo's most remote and vulnerable regions. Along with payment issues, many health workers and health facilities have also come under attack from rebels and angry mobs.

During a visit to Congo on Wednesday, World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged the authorities to give priority to the care and support of responders. This week, medical charity Doctors Without Borders said the outbreak was still "spreading at an alarming and unprecedented rate" and that the response, though expanding, was still "not reaching communities quickly enough to break transmission chains".

The walkout by health workers in Ituri has added to concerns over Congo's Ebola response, with unpaid staff, security threats and the pace of the spread all coming under focus as the outbreak continues.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends