Women are the first caregivers in this Ebola outbreak and the most at risk

June 4, 2026 - 10:11

In the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, women are stepping into the role of primary caregivers as the latest Ebola outbreak unfolds. When a family member shows symptoms, it is typically the women who provide bedside care, prepare meals, and handle the washing of clothes and linens. This close contact puts them directly in the path of the virus, making them the most vulnerable group in the current health crisis.

Health workers on the ground report that women are not only caring for the sick at home but are also the ones who accompany patients to treatment centers. Once there, they often stay by the bedside, offering comfort and performing essential tasks that increase their exposure to bodily fluids. The virus spreads through direct contact with blood or other secretions, and these caregiving duties create high-risk situations.

Cultural norms in the region place the burden of nursing on women and girls, who are also responsible for preparing bodies for burial when a patient dies. Traditional funeral rites, which involve washing and touching the deceased, further amplify the danger. Aid organizations have tried to adjust their response by targeting women with protective gear and educational materials, but the deep-rooted social expectations remain a challenge.

The outbreak, which has already claimed hundreds of lives, continues to test the resilience of communities already strained by conflict and displacement. Without a shift in how caregiving roles are shared, women will remain on the front lines, facing the highest risk of infection while holding families together.