Ebola Fear Drives Women and Children Away From Healthcare in Eastern Congo

Fear and misinformation surrounding Ebola are discouraging women and children from seeking medical care in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, health workers and aid agencies say, worsening maternal deaths and reducing childhood vaccination rates.

Health workers say some women are avoiding prenatal appointments and choosing to give birth at home because they fear contracting Ebola at health facilities. This is increasing the risk of deaths when pregnancy or childbirth complications occur.

The impact is particularly concerning in Ituri province, where United Nations data showed maternal deaths increased by nearly 70% between May and July compared with the same period a year earlier.

The Ebola outbreak, declared in May, has also been compounded by cuts in international aid, which have contributed to shortages of essential medicines.

At a healthcare centre in Butembo, nurses said the number of women giving birth at the facility had fallen sharply since the outbreak began. Some patients reportedly believe medicines provided at hospitals could contain the Ebola virus.

The UN Population Fund reported that hospital deliveries fell by more than 30% between May and July, while treatment for obstetric complications dropped by about 50%.

Children are also missing routine healthcare. UNICEF said routine vaccinations in Ebola affected areas of Ituri fell by more than half between April and June. In Mongbwalu, first dose measles vaccinations dropped by 69%.

Health officials warn that prolonged disruption to routine healthcare could trigger further outbreaks of preventable diseases and place additional pressure on an already fragile health system.

Congo has continued to face major measles outbreaks, with about 126,000 cases recorded so far in 2026, according to the country’s health ministry.

Health workers say misinformation is a major factor behind the declining use of hospitals and vaccination services. Some parents fear that taking their children to medical facilities could lead to them being transferred to Ebola treatment centres.

Doctors also report that some families initially turn to self medication or traditional healers before seeking hospital treatment, often arriving when their conditions have become severe.

Aid agencies warn that the consequences of the Ebola outbreak could extend beyond the virus itself, affecting maternal health, childhood immunisation, nutrition and other essential services for years if access to healthcare does not recover.