Congo Ebola Crisis Deepens as Health Workers Strike Over Pay

WHO:

AP News - Health workers at Bunia General Hospital, the region’s largest medical center, and healthcare workers at an Ebola virus treatment center in Rwampara.

AP News - Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, the WHO emergencies chief.

AP News - The World Health Organization (WHO) and Congo’s Ministry of Health.

WHAT:

AP News - The number of confirmed Ebola cases in Congo has reached 2,011, including 754 deaths.

AP News - More than 100 healthcare workers have been infected since the beginning of the outbreak.

AP News - A total of 753 patients remain in isolation or in hospitals, while 366 have recovered.

AP News - At least 80% of new cases are emerging from unknown chains of transmission.

AP News - Dozens of healthcare workers in Rwampara went on strike over unpaid salaries and bonuses.

AP News - Enrollment in a study of two possible Ebola treatments recently started in Ituri.

WHERE:

AP News - Bunia, Congo, specifically Bunia General Hospital and Rwampara, another city in Ituri province.

AP News - Ituri province, the worst-hit area in the outbreak.

WHEN:

AP News - The outbreak has been ongoing since May 15.

WHY:

AP News - Health workers are striking due to payment issues, claiming they have not received pay despite working under difficult conditions.

AP News - The response is hampered by a funding gap, attacks on health centers, ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, and mistrust among local communities.

HOW:

AP News - Health professionals and other front-line workers barricaded the entrance to the hospital during their strike.

AP News - Authorities have been able to trace 67% of the contacts of those exposed to confirmed cases.

(UPDATED July 15, 2026 19:28 UTC)

The World Health Organization and Congo’s Ministry of Health report that the number of confirmed Ebola cases in Congo has reached 2,011, with 754 deaths, while over 100 healthcare workers have been infected since the outbreak began on May 15. In response to unpaid salaries and bonuses, dozens of healthcare workers in Rwampara have gone on strike, further complicating the response to the crisis, which is already hindered by funding gaps and ongoing conflict in the region. Currently, 753 patients remain in isolation, 366 have recovered, and a study of two potential Ebola treatments has recently begun in Ituri province, the area hardest hit by the outbreak.