DOZENS of health workers working at the epicentre of Congo’s Ebola outbreak staged protests today to demand their wages.

The health workers are protesting at the governor’s office in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, which accounts for nearly 90 per cent of the Ebola cases in the country. 

They are the latest group to walk off their jobs since protests over pay issues began weeks ago.

The health workers, including nurses providing critical care to Ebola patients, said they haven’t received wages and bonuses for their work fighting Ebola since the outbreak was declared in mid-May.

One of the protesters, Edouige Makosi, said: “With this way of managing things, Ebola will not end in this province. We ask the authorities to get involved at all levels so that a solution is found quickly.” 

Officials have in the past blamed logistical issues for the payment delays. Congolese authorities did not immediately respond to an inquiry for comments on Thursday.

Poor welfare for front-line workers has been a key source of concern in the outbreak, the second-largest in history unfolding in one of Congo’s most remote and vulnerable areas. 

Apart from the payment issues, many health workers and facilities have been attacked by rebels and angry mobs.