Congo Running Short of Health Workers as Ebola Remains Out of Control

CONGO – Congo is running short of health workers to staff treatment centers for history’s fastest-growing ebola outbreak, particularly in the eastern province of North Kivu where cases have surged 73% over three weeks.

The outbreak has spread to seven provinces, with 7,773 confirmed cases and 3,759 deaths, according to the latest government figures.

It is spreading under extremely difficult conditions, fueled by insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike and intense population movements.

Another major challenge in the response is the fatality rate among children.

Children under five have the highest case fatality rate, with more than 60% compared with approximately 40% among adults.