Dozens of workers at an Ebola treatment center in northeast Congo went on strike Monday over unpaid salaries and bonuses, according to local reports. The strike poses a new challenge for the ongoing Ebola outbreak, which has been described as one of the fastest-growing in the region.
The workers, who include nurses, hygienists, and support staff, have not received their salaries for several weeks, sources said. They are demanding immediate payment of back wages and promised hazard bonuses for working in high-risk conditions.
The treatment center, located in the city of Beni, is a key facility in the fight against the virus. The strike has disrupted operations, with some patients being turned away or transferred to other centers, according to health officials.
Local authorities have acknowledged the workers' grievances and said they are working to resolve the payment issues. However, no timeline has been given for when the salaries will be paid.
The Ebola outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces has infected hundreds of people since it was declared in August 2018. The World Health Organization has warned that the outbreak remains a serious public health threat.
