Ebola Fears Lead to Rising Maternal Deaths in Congo

WHO:

ABC News - Esther Lutula, a 26-year-old pregnant woman from Bunia, Congo.

ABC News - Noemi Dalmonte, deputy country representative of the United Nations Population Fund in Congo.

ABC News - Dr. Sonny Mwembo, medical director at the Bénédicte Clinic in Bunia.

ABC News - Dr. Ghislain Maneba, an epidemiologist and community investigator in Ituri's Rwampara health zone.

AP News - Elodie Yabiri, a heavily pregnant resident of Bunia.

WHAT:

ABC News - Maternal mortality in Ituri province has doubled, with an average of about six women dying per week due to childbirth complications.

ABC News - The average maternal deaths weekly increased from 3.1 before the outbreak to 5.8 from May 25 to July 19.

ABC News - Deaths outside health centers rose from 9.1% to 17.4% during the same period.

ABC News - More than 1,600 confirmed deaths from the Ebola outbreak have been reported.

ABC News - At least 19,000 women died from pregnancy complications in Congo in 2023.

ABC News - The number of women registered for prenatal care at the Bénédicte Clinic dropped from 60 each month to around 10.

WHERE:

ABC News - Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, Congo.

ABC News - The outbreak is affecting five provinces in Congo.

WHEN:

ABC News - The Ebola outbreak was declared on May 15.

ABC News - The increase in maternal deaths was noted from May 25 to July 19.

WHY:

ABC News - Pregnant women are avoiding hospitals due to fears of being isolated for having a fever, a misconception related to Ebola.

ABC News - Misinformation and fear of violence have led to a decline in hospital visits.

HOW:

ABC News - Health facilities are redirecting staff and supplies to respond to the Ebola outbreak, reducing access to essential maternal care services.

ABC News - Ebola spreads through contact with bodily fluids and contaminated surfaces.

(UPDATED August 3, 2026 16:27 UTC)

In Bunia, Congo, maternal mortality rates have alarmingly doubled, with an average of about six women dying each week due to childbirth complications, largely exacerbated by the ongoing Ebola outbreak. The number of women seeking prenatal care at the Bénédicte Clinic has plummeted from sixty to just ten each month, as fears of isolation and misinformation surrounding the virus deter them from seeking necessary medical attention. With over 1,600 confirmed deaths from Ebola reported and a significant rise in deaths outside health centers, the crisis is affecting five provinces and highlights the urgent need for improved access to maternal healthcare.