WHO Estimates Ebola Cases in DRC May Be Underreported
The actual number of Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) could be at least twice the officially reported figures, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) representative. Currently, the WHO has confirmed around 1,963 cases, with at least 719 fatalities.
Chikwe Ihekweazu, the Executive Director of the WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, recently visited the region and noted that a significant number of deaths occurred within families rather than in healthcare facilities. “We believe, based on our analysis and support, the extent of the outbreak is likely 2-4 times higher than the cases documented,” he shared during a press briefing in Geneva.
As of July 12, there were 727 patients in treatment centers, a critical situation that experts indicate marks the quickest outbreak of Ebola ever seen in Africa.
Healthcare Workers Consider Strike
Efforts to manage the outbreak are becoming increasingly difficult. Health professionals in the affected DRC regions are contemplating a strike due to unpaid salaries. At the Rwampara Ebola treatment center, one of the most severely impacted locations, workers protested by burning tires and momentarily blocking access routes.
This center is situated in Ituri province, where 384 cases and 89 deaths have been confirmed. The National Institute of Public Health in the DRC reported that healthcare workers represent a substantial segment of Ebola cases, with 112 transmissions and 35 fatalities noted as of Sunday.
“Since May 15, we’ve been treating Ebola patients without any compensation. We continue this work because of our commitment, but conditions are incredibly challenging,” expressed Pascal Bahoya, a doctor at Rwampara. Another healthcare professional, Jeremie Bataga, added that while some colleagues are losing hope, they persist due to their ethical obligations.
They stated they would initiate a complete work stoppage after a “48-hour ultimatum” for salary and bonus payments passes without resolution. “It’s hard to understand how we haven’t been paid for two months,” mentioned Bahati Claude, a health worker. “We want to keep doing our jobs.”
In response, Congolese Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba admitted there have been “payment delays” due to “organizational issues.” He mentioned that the government is currently reviewing the payroll to ensure that only those directly involved in combating the outbreak are compensated. “We must make sure payments go to the right people,” Kamba stated. “We are facing some difficulties relating to changing lists, which has led to complaints regarding non-payment.”
Challenges with the Bundibugyo Strain
The DRC announced its 17th Ebola epidemic on May 15, driven by the Bundibugyo virus, for which no vaccine or treatment currently exists. To assist in the health response, international partners and African nations have mobilized $1.5 billion. There is also a clinical trial underway involving two potential treatments.
Five eastern provinces, including Tshopo and Haut-Uele, have been affected, and Uganda, bordering the DRC, has reported twenty cases, with two resulting in death.
