Ebola response in DRC sees worker protests and delayed bonus payments

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched the first payments of bonuses to more than 12,000 health workers and other responders deployed in five provinces affected by the 17th Ebola outbreak. The disbursement began at the Elikya Ebola treatment centre in Bunia and will continue as verification of records proceeds.

At the same time, health workers in Bunia staged a protest demanding several months of unpaid salaries. The strike occurs as the outbreak has claimed over 1,300 lives according to the World Health Organization. Despite the risks, staff remain on the front line while urging the government to resolve salary arrears, a chronic problem in the DRC health system. President Félix Tshisekedi is monitoring the response, and Prime Minister Judith Suminwa recently visited Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu to assess the situation and encourage the teams.