Ebola Outbreak

The boss: Staff not getting enough rest

People working to treat Ebola patients are not getting the compensation or rest they need and should be entitled to. This is what Richard Lokudu, the head of Mongbwalu General Referral Hospital in Congo-Kinshasa, tells the AP.

– People are sacrificing their rest and comfort for this. There should be recognition that they deserve compensation, he says.

He testifies to unpaid salaries and that patients often come to the hospital late at night. At the same time, staff are struggling to keep themselves protected from the virus.

People with suspected Ebola infection escape

Since June 4, about 30 people with suspected or confirmed Ebola infection have escaped from treatment or isolation facilities in Congo-Kinshasa. This is shown by government reports, writes Bloomberg.

Limited access to healthcare, including nutritional support, is said to be the biggest reason for the dissatisfaction.

At the same time, there is great resistance to Ebola in the country. Armed conflicts, ignorance and distrust of authorities are making it difficult to track down Ebola patients.

Ebola — the issue

• The Ebola outbreak in Congo-Kinshasa has led to over 1,000 infections and at least 250 deaths since mid-May 2026.
• The Bundibugyo variant, which lacks a vaccine and treatment, has spread to Uganda and risks reaching more countries in the region.
• Armed conflicts, distrust of authorities and attacks on healthcare workers are making efforts more difficult and contributing to the rapid spread of the infection.
• WHO has declared an international emergency and its director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has visited the affected area to coordinate efforts.
• Lack of resources, underfunding and difficult conditions in refugee camps are worsening the situation and increasing the risk of further spread.