KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo — The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) fight against its worst Ebola outbreak in years is facing a major setback, as frontline health workers have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over months of unpaid salaries, while the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the epidemic may be significantly larger than official figures suggest.
According to the latest figures released on Tuesday, the outbreak, which was officially declared on May 15, 2026, has resulted in more than 700 deaths, with nearly 2,000 confirmed infections across the country.
However, the WHO believes the actual number of infections could be two to four times higher than reported, raising concerns that many cases remain undetected.
Health Workers Protest Over Unpaid Wages
The crisis has intensified in Rwampara, one of the hardest-hit areas in Ituri Province, where health workers staged a protest on Monday by burning tyres and briefly blocking access to the local Ebola Treatment Centre.
Medical personnel say they have continued treating highly infectious Ebola patients without receiving salaries since the outbreak began.
“We have been caring for Ebola patients without pay since May 15. We remain committed because it is our professional duty, but the conditions have become extremely difficult,” said Dr. Pascal Bahoya, one of the doctors at the treatment centre.
The workers have issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding immediate payment of outstanding salaries and risk allowances. They warned that failure to meet their demands would result in a full-scale strike, with no emergency services maintained.
Government Promises Resolution
During a recent visit to Ituri Province, DRC Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba acknowledged the payment delays, describing them as an administrative issue. He assured healthcare workers that the government was taking steps to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
Despite the assurance, many frontline workers remain frustrated, arguing that delayed salaries are affecting morale at a time when medical personnel are risking their lives to contain the outbreak.
Healthcare Workers Among Victims
The outbreak has also taken a heavy toll on medical staff.
According to the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), 112 healthcare workers have contracted Ebola, while 35 have died since the outbreak began.
Health experts warn that losing experienced medical personnel could further weaken the country’s already overstretched healthcare system.
WHO Warns Outbreak Is Much Larger
Speaking in Geneva, WHO Emergencies Director Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu said the agency’s latest modelling suggests the outbreak is considerably larger than official surveillance data indicates.
He explained that the actual number of Ebola infections could be between two and four times the confirmed figures, largely because the virus had been spreading for several months before it was officially detected.
Humanitarian organizations working in affected communities have also expressed concerns that many infections and deaths remain unreported, particularly in remote and conflict-affected areas.
Virus Spreads Across Five Provinces
The Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, responsible for the current outbreak, has now spread from Ituri Province to North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Haut-Uele.
Unlike some previous Ebola outbreaks, there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, although a clinical trial evaluating two experimental treatments is underway.
As of July 12, health authorities reported that 727 patients were receiving care in Ebola treatment centres across the affected regions.
Conflict and Poor Living Conditions Fuel Spread
Eastern DR Congo continues to face prolonged armed conflict, with millions displaced by violence.
Many displaced families live in overcrowded camps with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare, creating conditions that make disease containment increasingly difficult.
The outbreak has also crossed international borders, with neighbouring Uganda reporting 20 confirmed Ebola cases, including two deaths. Ituri Province shares borders with both Uganda and South Sudan, increasing concerns about further regional transmission.
International Support
The international community has committed approximately $1.5 billion to support the Ebola response in the DRC. Despite the funding, health officials say the country’s healthcare system remains chronically underfunded and continues to face shortages of personnel, medical supplies, and essential infrastructure.
Public health experts warn that unless healthcare workers receive adequate support and surveillance efforts are strengthened, containing the outbreak could become significantly more challenging in the coming months.
Ebola Response Faces Setback as DR Congo Health Workers Threaten Strike Over Unpaid Salaries
