Health workers engaged in the Ebola response efforts in Beni, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo, have been on strike since Monday, September 21. The strike involves teams responsible for communication, community engagement, psychosocial support, and community relays. They are demanding payment of three to four months of unpaid allowances. The striking workers gathered in front of the Beni health zone office, displaying posters and barricades at the entrance.
According to Nick Junior Vusindi, an agent with the communication commission in the Beni Ebola response, the workers have made several unsuccessful attempts to get the issue resolved with the response coordination team. Vusindi stated that it has been four months since they received their allowances, despite the government, through the Ministry of Health, claiming to have disbursed funds to combat Ebola in North Kivu.
The striking workers also lit a fire in front of the zonal response coordination office, disrupting access to the facilities. Police intervened to extinguish the fire, but the workers maintained their strike. They are now waiting for a response from the response authorities regarding their salary situation. This situation arises amid efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak in the region.
In July, Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba visited Bunia, Ituri, and stated that payment delays were not due to a lack of funds. He denounced irregularities related to an "Ebola Business" and manipulations of lists. Kamba announced plans to harmonize allowances for medical personnel, nurses, and community relays to eliminate disparities in remuneration.
The Ministry of Health had planned a supplementary budget as part of the rectified finance law to address the issue. However, the current strike by health workers highlights the ongoing challenges in responding to the Ebola outbreak. The situation in Beni and surrounding areas remains a concern, with efforts to contain the outbreak ongoing.
The strike by health workers in Beni underscores the complexities and challenges in responding to health crises in the DRC. It highlights issues related to funding, resource allocation, and the welfare of health workers. The situation requires attention from authorities to resolve the workers' concerns and ensure the continuity of Ebola response efforts.
The impact of the strike on the Ebola response efforts in Beni and the broader North Kivu region remains to be seen. Authorities will need to address the concerns of the striking workers to prevent further disruptions to the response efforts. The situation is being closely monitored as it develops.
Key points
- Health workers in Beni, DRC, have gone on strike demanding payment of four months of unpaid allowances for their work in Ebola response efforts.
