An Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, declared in mid-May in Ituri, is fueling a dangerous drop in maternal health as pregnant women avoid hospitals amid fear of isolation and misinformation.

Delays in care risk more deaths from pregnancy-related complications, even as pregnant health workers continue to serve on the front lines, underscoring the need for safe, trusted access to maternal services during the outbreak.

Fear of quarantine and rampant rumors are driving pregnant women to postpone prenatal care and delivery, worsening risks for mothers and unborn children.

Maternal mortality in Ituri nearly doubled during the outbreak, rising from about 3.1 weekly deaths before May 25 to 5.8 weekly deaths between May 25 and July 19, with more deaths occurring outside health centers.

The same period saw the share of deaths outside facilities climb from 9.1% to 17.4%, signaling deteriorating access to care.

Overall, Congo has one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, with continued pregnancy-related deaths reported in 2023 amid ongoing outbreaks and a strained health system.

These issues unfold against a backdrop of a health system under pressure from multiple crises and historically high fertility.

Prenatal registrations at Bunia’s Bénédicte Clinic plummeted from roughly 60 per month to about 10, reflecting a sharp drop in care-seeking among pregnant women.

There is no approved Ebola treatment or vaccine in this outbreak, and attacks on health facilities hinder response efforts and access to care.

Facilities have redirected resources to the outbreak response, squeezing essential maternal care and aggravating safety concerns for patients and healthcare workers.

Security issues persist as health facilities and workers face attacks, further limiting access to vital maternal services during the crisis.