DRC Ebola cases top 2,000, health workers strike over unpaid wages

Health workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ituri province have begun a strike demanding payment of overdue wages, a move that comes as the region’s death toll from the ongoing health crisis climbs to 754. The workers, who are on the front lines of the response, say they have not received salaries for several months, prompting them to suspend services until the government addresses their grievances. The strike threatens to hamper treatment and containment efforts, as hospitals and clinics across the province report shortages of staff and reduced capacity to manage patients.

Authorities have acknowledged the financial shortfall and pledged to release the pending funds, while also warning that the disruption could exacerbate the spread of the disease. International partners have expressed concern over the potential setback to vaccination campaigns and clinical care, urging a swift resolution to restore normal operations. As the death toll rises, officials emphasize the urgency of maintaining a functional health workforce to curb further fatalities and stabilize the situation in Ituri.