• Staff at Rwampara General Hospital strike over two months of unpaid salaries.
• The Ebola outbreak has reached five provinces, with over 1,900 confirmed cases.
• Authorities are verifying payroll lists to ensure proper payments are made.

Dozens of employees at Rwampara General Hospital in Ituri province have gone on strike, protesting unpaid salaries and bonuses amidst a severe Ebola outbreak. The staff, including epidemiologists, case investigators, drivers, and gravediggers, claim they have not received compensation since the outbreak began in May, leading to the hospital being shut down as workers block roads and protest in front of the facility, according to latimes and aljazeera.

The situation is dire as the outbreak is reported to be the worst in Africa's history, with 1,926 cases and 702 deaths so far. The virus has spread to two additional provinces, Haut-Uele and Tshopo, complicating containment efforts. Health officials have noted that the strike further hinders their response capabilities, which are already challenged by misinformation, cultural burial practices, and a lack of trust in health authorities, as highlighted by africanews and aljazeera.

Authorities, led by Health Minister Roger Kamba, are currently auditing the payroll to resolve payment issues. Kamba acknowledged the existence of unrelated names on the payroll, which has caused delays, stating, “We must ensure that these payments reach the right people.” Meanwhile, the United Nations has reported that the epidemic has exacerbated economic struggles in the region, pushing nearly one million people into poverty, according to latimes, aljazeera, and africanews.