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The Japan Times
Ebola is driving up maternal deaths as pregnant women in Congo avoid hospitals
The ongoing Ebola outbreak in Congo has led to a concerning increase in maternal deaths, doubling the rates in affected areas. Pregnant women are refraining from seeking medical assistance out of fear of the virus, consequently leaving them vulnerable to treatable conditions such as preeclampsia, malaria, and obstructed labor. Medical resources, which could have addressed these complications, have been diverted to combat the Ebola outbreak, further endangering the health of these women and their unborn children.
MonitorConfidence: HighShort term horizonInfrastructure risk: High
Published 14 Aug 2026, 03:45 UTC1 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Maternal deaths have doubled in Congo's Ebola outbreak epicenter.
- Pregnant women are avoiding hospitals due to fear of Ebola.
- Medical staff and resources are focused on fighting the virus.
- Common complications include preeclampsia and obstructed labor.
- Women are suffering from treatable conditions, not directly from Ebola.
Interesting facts
- The disruption in healthcare is leaving women vulnerable even when not infected.
- Ebola's indirect effects on maternal health are becoming evident.
Coverage gaps