Dozens of health workers at the epicenter of Congo's Ebola outbreak staged protests Thursday to demand payment for their wages, abandoning several health facilities. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The protesters gathered at the governor's office in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, which accounts for nearly 90% of Ebola cases in the country. They are the latest group to walk off their jobs since protests over pay issues began weeks ago.
The health workers, including nurses providing critical care to Ebola patients, said they haven't received wages and bonuses for their work fighting Ebola since the outbreak was declared in mid-May.
One protester, Edouige Makosi, said: "With this way of managing things, Ebola will not end in this province. We ask the authorities to get involved at all levels so that a solution is found quickly."
Officials have in the past blamed logistical issues for the payment delays. Congolese authorities did not immediately respond to an inquiry for comments on Thursday.
Poor welfare for frontline workers has been a key source of concern in the outbreak, the second-largest in history unfolding in one of Congo's most remote and vulnerable areas. Apart from the payment issues, many health workers and facilities have been attacked by rebels and angry mobs.
During his visit to Congo on Wednesday, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak is outpacing the response.