Women in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are facing disproportionate risks during the country's current Ebola outbreak, as they serve as primary caregivers for sick family members while lacking adequate protective equipment. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has confirmed 344 cases including 60 deaths in Congo, with an additional 15 confirmed cases and one death reported in neighboring Uganda.

The Bundibugyo strain has no approved treatment or vaccine, and health workers report shortages of masks, gloves and other protective gear. At the Karibuni wa Maman clinic in Bunia, staff said they have received no personal protective equipment since the outbreak began, despite appeals to health authorities. Women traditionally handle caregiving duties including feeding, bathing and washing clothes for sick relatives, activities that increase exposure risk.

Historical data shows women have been disproportionately affected by previous Ebola outbreaks. Women accounted for 56% of deaths in the first recorded outbreak in the 1970s, and comprised about two-thirds of cases during Congo's 2018-2020 outbreak, according to UN Women. The organization expects similar patterns in the current outbreak, noting that transmission follows caregiving roles, domestic labor and burial practices typically performed by women.

The outbreak is occurring in challenging conditions in Ituri province, which has poor infrastructure and is located more than 1,000 kilometers from the capital Kinshasa. Security concerns from rebel groups including the Allied Democratic Forces and M23 have hindered response efforts. The outbreak was identified weeks late because initial testing did not include the rare Bundibugyo strain.

Pregnant women face particular challenges, with many avoiding prenatal care due to infection fears at health facilities. Some women report being too afraid to seek medical attention even for routine pregnancy checkups, potentially leading to increased maternal and infant mortality rates. Health officials warn that staying away from clinics could result in missing crucial prenatal and postnatal care.