The Democratic Republic of the Congo is confronting a resurgence of Ebola that is affecting the population at large, but UN News — Global notes that women and girls are experiencing the greatest impact. Health officials say the disease has spread across several provinces, prompting a surge in cases that has strained already limited medical resources.
Women are frequently the first point of contact for sick relatives, a role that places them at heightened risk of infection. Community health workers, many of whom are female, are also on the front lines of surveillance, contact tracing and treatment delivery. The UN outlet highlights that these responsibilities often occur in environments lacking adequate protective equipment, increasing the likelihood of transmission among female caregivers.
In addition to direct exposure, the outbreak is disrupting routine health services that women rely on, such as maternal and child care. Clinics have reported reduced attendance for prenatal visits and immunisation programmes, as fear of contagion deters families from seeking care. UN News — Global points out that interruptions to these essential services could lead to secondary health crises, particularly for pregnant women and newborns.
Economic repercussions are also evident. Many women in affected regions depend on informal trading and small‑scale agriculture for income. Quarantine measures and movement restrictions have limited market access, reducing household earnings and exacerbating food insecurity. The report underscores that loss of income forces some families to prioritize immediate survival over health precautions, further complicating containment efforts.
Humanitarian agencies are scaling up response measures aimed at protecting women and girls. Initiatives include the distribution of personal protective equipment tailored for female health workers, community education campaigns that address gender‑specific risks, and the reinforcement of maternal health services within Ebola treatment centres. UN News — Global emphasizes that these interventions aim to mitigate the dual burden of disease exposure and loss of essential health support.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities urging continued vigilance and cooperation from local communities. International partners are monitoring the outbreak closely, pledging additional resources to bolster surveillance, laboratory capacity and vaccination campaigns. As the epidemic evolves, the disproportionate toll on women and girls highlights the need for gender‑responsive strategies in public health emergencies.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by UN News — Global — original source: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/09/1168368.