Healthcare workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have begun leaving their posts at clinics and treatment centers amidst the ongoing Ebola outbreak, citing issues with inadequate equipment and low wages. The actions, described as a strike though not officially declared, are adding to the challenges of the public health crisis.
Worker Grievances and Funding Delays
In Ituri province, identified as the outbreak’s epicenter, workers have reported not receiving wages and bonuses since the outbreak was declared on May 15. The striking workforce includes not only healthcare professionals but also safety and security teams responsible for identifying cases within the community. Officials in Ituri attributed the payment delays to the broader impact of the outbreak, specifically mentioning the closure of Bunia airport as a factor hampering fund disbursement and the overall response implementation.
Residents in Ituri province have expressed concern that the absence of these workers could further contribute to the transmission of the virus. The outbreak has resulted in 1,729 cases and 582 deaths across the DRC and Uganda, according to BNO News. The Bundibugyo strain of the virus is reportedly spreading in the region.
CDC Extends Response Timeline
In parallel, Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, acting Director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), informed agency employees via email that the CDC’s involvement in the Ebola response is expected to continue for several months. Bhattacharya indicated that the outbreak, already the third-largest in history, necessitates a sustained call for frontline responders and additional personnel.
“The coming months will require us to make hard decisions about how to prioritize work, especially programmatic activities in [CDC centers, institutes, and offices, or CIOs],” Bhattacharya wrote. He acknowledged the complexities of balancing program priorities with emergency response needs and expressed appreciation for staff flexibility.
The CDC has designated the Ebola outbreak as a Level 1 response, which mandates the mobilization of the maximum possible staff working around the clock. The agency last activated at Level 1 during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when it employed over 3,000 additional staff in collaboration with state and federal offices. Bhattacharya is encouraging CDC staff to participate in the CDC Ready Responder program to enhance emergency response training. However, some staff members have voiced concerns that the agency needs to increase its hiring of scientists to adequately address the current Ebola outbreak, alongside domestic measles outbreaks, foodborne illnesses, and New World screwworm infestations in animals. This fiscal year, the CDC has reported making only 38 new hires.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
