Women in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo are enduring harsh conditions while working in artisanal gold mines. They spend their days waist-deep in mud, manually sorting and washing rock in search of gold, representing a vital source of income for many. This physically demanding labor is now compounded by a recent outbreak of Ebola in the region. The women continue their work despite the increased health risk posed by the epidemic. The situation highlights the precarious intersection of economic necessity and public health crises in the area. Authorities are concerned about the potential for further spread of Ebola due to the close proximity of workers and limited access to healthcare.