A recent outbreak of the viral disease mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has led to a surge in cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have declared mpox a continental emergency, with cases detected in 13 African countries as well as other parts of the world. In DRC alone, there have been over 15,000 cases and 548 deaths so far this year.
Health workers in DRC, who have been battling the outbreak since 2022, are facing challenges such as medicine shortages and ongoing conflicts in the east of the country. Despite these obstacles, they are working tirelessly to screen, isolate, and care for patients infected with the disease. The disease, related to smallpox, has been spreading faster and wider due to a new strain, clade 1.
Doctors and medical staff in the region, who have also dealt with Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks, are managing the situation as effectively as possible. However, the ongoing conflict in the east of the country poses a concern for their ability to respond to the outbreak effectively. NGOs like Doctors Without Borders are providing support in treating mpox cases despite the complex humanitarian situation in the region.
Patients like Madam Nyota Joyeuse and Amina Upendo are receiving treatment at hospitals in Goma, where health workers are doing their best to manage the outbreak. While some challenges like medicine shortages remain, health providers are focused on alleviating symptoms and caring for patients to the best of their abilities. With cases on the rise and potential impacts on the region’s health system, efforts to combat mpox and provide care to those affected continue despite the difficulties.
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