Women Caregivers at Ebola Frontline in Eastern Congo Face High Infection Risk

Women caregivers in Bunia, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, are at the forefront of the Ebola outbreak. A lack of protective gear and international funding cuts disproportionately increase their risk of contracting and spreading the disease.

Sat May 30 2026

Women Caregivers' Vulnerability to Ebola Infection

In Bunia, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a significant number of those on the front lines of the Ebola outbreak are women. They play crucial roles in caring for the sick, including bathing, feeding, and washing soiled clothes. According to Dr. Elizabeth Furaha, most nurses in hospitals and clinics are also women. This means women are not only more likely to contract the disease but also more likely to spread it.

High Complication Rates for Pregnant Women and Lack of PPE

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to Ebola, with doctors reporting a nearly 100% complication rate if a mother-to-be contracts the virus. UN data from the 2018-2019 outbreak in the DRC shows that women and girls accounted for two-thirds of documented cases. Dr. Furaha states that her clinic has not received protective gear despite appeals to health authorities. With international funding cuts impacting the Ebola response, there are growing fears of a disproportionately high mortality rate among women yet again.

*Source: Al Jazeera, YouTube: Al Jazeera English, YouTube: DW News (2026-05-30)*

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