DR Congo Ebola Death Toll Hits 600 Amid Healthcare Worker Strike Threat

The death toll has risen sharply amid a worsening health crisis, coinciding with growing unrest among medical personnel who are threatening to walk off the job over delayed salary payments. Health officials reported a significant increase in fatalities over the past week, attributing the surge to the continued spread of the disease and strained hospital capacities. The situation has drawn attention to systemic challenges within the healthcare system, as frontline workers cite unpaid wages as a critical factor undermining their ability to provide care.

In response to the workers’ warning, the Ministry of Health acknowledged the payment backlog and pledged to expedite disbursements, while also urging staff to maintain essential services. Labor unions representing doctors, nurses, and support staff have called for immediate settlement of arrears and have outlined contingency plans should the strike materialize. Authorities warn that a large‑scale walkout could further compromise patient treatment and exacerbate the already high mortality rate, prompting urgent negotiations to resolve the funding dispute.