Ebola Response Teams in Rwampara Resume Work Under Condition After Strike

Ebola response teams in Rwampara, located in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, have returned to work after a one-day strike demanding the payment of their bonuses. The resumption of activities at the Rwampara Ebola Treatment Center, however, remains conditional, raising concerns among local civil society.

Following the strike on Monday, which halted critical care services, the response teams agreed to resume their duties on Tuesday, July 14th. This decision was welcomed by the civil society of the Bahema chiefdom of Irumu, who emphasized the importance of patients accessing treatment. Yet, they issued an ultimatum, giving the government 72 hours to address the payment issue.

Isaac Nyakulinda, the local civil society president, highlighted the severe consequences of even a single day's strike, noting that some patients could not reach the center and others died at home without receiving care. He stated that the government would be held responsible for any further loss of life if the center were forced to close again.

This situation persists despite recent promises made by the national Minister of Health in Bunia to promptly resolve the issue of bonus payments for the response teams. As of now, these promises have not been fulfilled, leaving the healthcare workers uncertain and the community anxious about the continuity of essential Ebola treatment services.

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Our concern is that a single day of strike has already caused damage. Patients could not access the center. Some died at home for lack of care. We demand that the government quickly respond to the demands of the response teams. Otherwise, we will hold it responsible for any loss of life if the center closes again.