A growing health crisis is emerging in eastern Congo, where pregnant women are reportedly bypassing hospitals and clinics. Reports indicate that this behavior is driven by widespread fear of the ongoing Ebola outbreak, leading many to choose home births or avoid medical intervention entirely. As a result, there has been a documented increase in maternal mortality rates in the region.

Health officials and aid organizations are concerned that the public's distrust of medical facilities—often stemming from the high-risk environment of Ebola treatment centers—is creating a secondary health emergency. While the primary focus of international efforts remains on containing the Ebola virus, the indirect impact on routine maternal healthcare is becoming a significant concern for local health infrastructure. The situation highlights the difficulty of maintaining essential medical services during a major epidemic, as the fear of infection often outweighs the perceived benefits of seeking professional care for pregnancy and delivery.