Ebola Fears Drive Alarming Rise in Maternal Deaths in DRC’s Ituri Province
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, pregnant women are avoiding hospitals due to fears surrounding the Ebola outbreak, leading to a doubling of maternal mortality rates in the Ituri province. This avoidance stems from misconceptions about Ebola and fear of…
Houston, TX, August 3, 2026 —
Pregnant women in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province are increasingly avoiding medical facilities, contributing to a reported doubling of maternal mortality rates. The fear of the ongoing Ebola outbreak is cited as the primary driver for this trend, with expectant mothers expressing concerns about contracting the virus or facing isolation.
This avoidance means that childbirth complications, which often require immediate medical attention, are occurring outside of formal healthcare settings. Misconceptions surrounding Ebola transmission and the perceived risks associated with hospital visits are leading women to opt for home births or seek care from less equipped sources.
The healthcare system in the region is already under significant strain. Reports indicate that facilities have faced attacks, and resources are being diverted to manage the Ebola response. This dual pressure further limits the capacity to provide essential maternal and child healthcare services.
The consequence is a rise in preventable maternal deaths, as complications during pregnancy and childbirth are not being addressed by trained medical professionals in a timely manner. The lack of access to safe delivery services and adequate prenatal care is exacerbating the risks for both mothers and newborns in Ituri province.
Further details regarding specific numbers of maternal deaths, the exact timeline of the observed increase, or the specific nature of attacks on healthcare facilities were not provided in the summary.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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