Ebola’s Shadow Crisis: Pregnant Women Suffer in Silence

As Congo battles its fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record, a disturbing trend has emerged: pregnant women are avoiding hospitals and increasing their chances of death from childbirth complications. Maternal mortality across Ituri province has doubled since the outbreak began, with an average of six women dying per week due to complications related to pregnancy.

The fear of infection is understandable, but it’s a misconception that has led many pregnant women to forgo prenatal care and hospital visits. This trend is part of a broader pattern in sub-Saharan Africa, where maternal mortality rates are alarmingly high. The region accounts for 70% of global maternal deaths, with approximately 180,000 pregnancy-related deaths recorded every year.

The Congo’s healthcare system, already strained by decades of conflict and underinvestment, has been further compromised by the outbreak. Health facilities in affected provinces have had to redirect staff and supplies to the response effort, reducing access to essential maternal care services. Pregnant women who delay or avoid care “could die not from Ebola itself but because the care that would have saved them was no longer accessible, trusted, or safe,” says Noemi Dalmonte, deputy country representative of the United Nations Population Fund in Congo.

Congo’s maternal mortality rate is one of the world’s highest, with at least 19,000 women dying from pregnancy complications in 2023. This year, that number has increased as pregnant women avoid hospitals due to fear of infection or violence – Ebola treatment centers have been attacked by residents fueled by misinformation or anger over strict outbreak measures.

The lack of trust in the healthcare system is a symptom of deeper issues. In Ituri province, health workers struggle to respond to the crisis with few supplies and resources. The region’s remote location and volatile security situation exacerbate the challenges. Dr. Sonny Mwembo notes that the number of women registered for prenatal care has dropped from 60 each month to around 10.

Pregnant women who do seek care often face skepticism and fear from healthcare workers themselves. “Right now, if you feel sick and go to the hospital, they say it’s Ebola and put you in quarantine right away,” says Elodie Yabiri, a Bunia resident heavily pregnant with her first child. This lack of clarity and communication has fueled the public’s perception that Ebola is a death sentence.

Aid groups must address not only the outbreak but also the shadow crisis unfolding around it – one where pregnant women are being left behind in their time of greatest need. The response requires more than just medical supplies or personnel; it demands a fundamental shift in how healthcare services are delivered and perceived by communities.

As Congo battles its worst Ebola outbreak on record, the consequences of this shadow crisis remain largely hidden from view. But they will not remain silent for long – with each passing week, more pregnant women risk losing their lives to childbirth complications rather than Ebola itself. The world’s response must be swift, comprehensive, and guided by a deep understanding of the complexities at play. Anything less will only perpetuate this shadow crisis, leaving countless pregnant women to suffer in silence as the world looks on.

The Associated Press’s reporting on Africa and development has shed light on some of the most pressing issues facing the continent. Their coverage highlights the urgent need for greater investment in healthcare infrastructure, community education, and public health initiatives. However, even as we acknowledge the gravity of this situation, we must also recognize that the solutions lie not just in medical interventions or aid packages but in fundamental changes to how we approach global health and development.

Women are shouldering the greatest burden in this crisis – their lives, bodies, and futures sacrificed at the altar of a rapidly spreading disease. The world’s response must be guided by a deep understanding of the complexities at play, and anything less will only perpetuate this shadow crisis.