Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo (Running Africa) — Frontline Ebola response workers in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have staged protests over unpaid salaries, raising concerns that the ongoing labor dispute could disrupt efforts to contain the country’s worsening Ebola outbreak.

The health workers submitted a formal complaint on 5 July, began a go-slow on 6 July, and later demonstrated outside Ebola treatment centers in Bunia on 9 July, demanding payment for work carried out since the outbreak was officially declared on 15 May.

Protesters say they have yet to receive their full salaries and have also expressed frustration over inadequate risk allowances despite working in high-risk conditions while responding to one of the country’s most serious public health emergencies.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has infected 1,759 people and claimed 600 lives, according to government figures, making it one of the deadliest Ebola outbreaks in recent years.

The Congolese government has acknowledged that administrative challenges have delayed salary payments, while the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said part of its $2 million emergency support package could be used to help clear outstanding wage arrears for frontline personnel.

Despite the labor dispute, health authorities, the World Health Organization and humanitarian partners continue to scale up the emergency response by expanding treatment centers, strengthening disease surveillance, intensifying contact tracing and improving case management in affected communities.

In a significant scientific breakthrough, health officials have also launched a WHO-backed clinical trial evaluating two experimental Ebola treatments targeting the Bundibugyo strain, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.

The first patient has already been enrolled in the trial, marking an important milestone in the search for effective therapies as authorities race to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.

Public health experts warn that ensuring frontline workers are paid promptly and adequately supported will be critical to sustaining the Ebola response, protecting healthcare personnel and strengthening efforts to bring the outbreak under control.