Fear surrounding the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has led many pregnant women to avoid hospitals and prenatal care facilities, triggering a sharp rise in maternal deaths, according to health officials. In Ituri province, where the outbreak was declared on May 15, maternal mortality has nearly doubled as expectant mothers stay away from medical centres due to concerns over infection and isolation. Esther Lutula, a 26-year-old pregnant woman from Bunia, the capital of Ituri province and the epicentre of the outbreak, stopped attending prenatal checkups after Ebola cases began spreading.
She said she feared being placed in isolation if she developed a fever, despite fever being a common symptom that can occur for several reasons during pregnancy and childbirth. "That's why I'm waiting until the disease is no longer widespread," Lutula told The Associated Press from her home. However, health experts warn that delaying medical care during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications and put both mothers and babies in danger. According to Noemi Dalmonte, deputy country representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Congo, maternal deaths across Ituri increased significantly after news of the Ebola outbreak spread.
The average number of maternal deaths rose to about six per week, compared with lower levels recorded before the outbreak. UNFPA data showed that weekly maternal deaths increased from an average of 3.1 deaths before the outbreak to 5.8 deaths between May 25 and July 19. The data also indicated that deaths occurring outside health facilities rose during the same period, increasing from 9.1% to 17.4%.
Health officials said the rise is linked not only to Ebola itself but also to the fear and misinformation surrounding the outbreak. Many women have avoided hospitals because they worry about contracting the virus or being separated from their families if they show symptoms. As a result, some women are giving birth at home without access to trained medical professionals or emergency care.
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Medical workers have stressed that hospitals remain essential places for pregnant women to receive safe care, including monitoring during pregnancy, assistance during delivery and treatment for complications. Delays in reaching healthcare facilities can increase the risk of severe bleeding, infections, high blood pressure complications and other conditions that require immediate medical attention.
The situation in Congo reflects a broader challenge faced by healthcare systems during disease outbreaks, where public fear can disrupt essential services beyond the immediate illness being addressed. Similar patterns have been observed during previous health emergencies, where reduced hospital visits contributed to increased deaths from preventable conditions. The Ebola outbreak in Ituri has added further pressure to a region already facing healthcare challenges.
Health workers and international organisations are working to provide information, encourage pregnant women to seek medical assistance and maintain access to essential maternal services despite the outbreak. The crisis also highlights the wider issue of maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, which records the highest number of pregnancy-related deaths globally.
The region accounts for around 70% of maternal deaths worldwide, with approximately 180,000 pregnancy-related deaths reported every year. Authorities and aid organisations say restoring confidence in healthcare facilities is crucial to preventing further loss of life. While controlling Ebola remains a priority, health officials are emphasising that protecting pregnant women and ensuring access to safe childbirth services must continue alongside outbreak response efforts.
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