Health workers in Congo’s Ebola epicentre are walking off the job over unpaid wages, threatening a response that officials say is already struggling to keep pace with the virus’s spread.
In Ituri province, the hardest-hit of Congo’s three affected provinces, some healthcare workers say they haven’t been paid wages or bonuses since the outbreak was declared May 15, and cite inadequate protective gear. After warning authorities they’d strike if unpaid within 24 hours, some had already stopped working by Tuesday, though no formal strike has been declared.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, has recorded 1,708 cases and 580 deaths, already the worst month on record, officials say.
The World Health Organisation says the virus keeps spreading, fueled by population movement and insecurity, as some treatment centres near capacity in the region.
A Congo health institute official has blamed delays partly on Bunia airport’s closure, disrupting funding flows. Ituri officials say they’ve met with workers to address the concerns.
Also Read: Eight dead in bandit attacks on Danchadi District in Bodinga, Sokoto State
Leave feedback about this
You must be logged in to post a comment.