Congo’s Rwampara Hospital Strike Threatens Ebola Response BODY: Kinshasa, DRC — Rwampara General Hospital in Ituri province, DRC, faces a critical situation as staff have gone on strike over unpaid wages and bonuses, coinciding with the severe Ebola outbreak gripping the region.
The strike, which commenced on July 13, 2026, has halted essential health services, raising alarm about the ability to combat the epidemic.
The striking workers, including epidemiologists, case investigators, drivers, and gravediggers, have been unpaid since the outbreak was declared on May 15, 2026. This standstill in services at the hospital, located in the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak, poses significant risks to the response efforts.
The current Ebola outbreak in northern DRC, where Rwampara General Hospital is situated, is the worst in Africa’s history, with over 1,926 infections and at least 702 deaths reported.
The presence of paramilitary rebels controlling parts of the region adds complexity to the response, along with misinformation, traditional burial practices, and a lack of trust in health officials. Health workers have faced attacks from communities that believe the disease is a form of witchcraft, and bereaved families have disregarded safety protocols by conducting traditional burial ceremonies.
The strike’s impact on the hospital’s capacity to respond to the outbreak is of great concern.
The strike has highlighted the broader challenges faced by the DRC’s health infrastructure, particularly vulnerable to outbreaks of infectious diseases like Ebola.
The situation underscores the critical need for a coordinated and effective response to the ongoing health crisis, considering the complex socio — economic and political factors at play.
As the virus spreads to new provinces, including Haut — Uele and Tshopo, urgent attention is required to address the immediate needs of the hospital and its striking workers while ensuring the effective containment of the Ebola outbreak.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: aljazeera
Source: Daniel Khalili-Tari, Reuters and The Associated Press
