By Gabs Mia
Kinshasa, DRC: In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), an ongoing Mpox outbreak has been challenging the local populace, posing serious health concerns. The DRC is home to the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world, which includes a region prone to landslides. This viral illness primarily spreads through contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids.
Nestled within the heart of the Congo Basin rainforest, the Maï Ndombe province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) encompasses approximately 12.3 million hectares, with around 9.8 million hectares blanketed by lush forests. This region serves as a vital sanctuary for diverse wildlife and supports thriving local communities.
However, the province has grappled with a severe outbreak of Mpox (monkeypox), casting a shadow over its natural beauty. Recent reports indicate that Maï Ndombe has recorded a staggering 496 cases of Mpox this year, resulting in 33 tragic fatalities. The high mortality rate of 6.7% has affected all 14 health zones within the province, highlighting the far-reaching impact of this epidemic.
Living close to the Congo Basin rainforest greatly influences the longevity of the disease’s existence in the area. Hunting is a source of income for a lot of people in this region which raises the chances of coming into contact with animals.
According to Dr Manassé Iyemenzayi who heads the health department; “Our surroundings and how we live put us at risk.” Hunters tend not to disclose bringing back animals which contributes to the disease spreading within the community.”
The Mpox outbreak, in Maï Ndombe is one part of a crisis affecting the whole DRC countrywide situation is dire with over 96% of Mpox cases in Africa originating there and more than 2 500 new infections reported every week the increase in cases by 177%, from the prior year emphasizes the severity of the issue.
The General Director of Africa CDC Jean Kaseya has raised concerns, about the situation in the DRC where a potential Mpox disaster looms large on the horizon despite attempts to control the outbreak that persists in spreading due to challenges like insufficient vaccine availability and healthcare facilities along, with social customs aiding its transmission.
International groups such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and Africa CDC have increased their efforts in addressing the Mpox crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). There are still obstacles to overcome related to securing funding and vaccines as well as coordinating logistical assistance.
“We need 10 million doses, and we have only physically received around 300,000, with the promise of a further 3 million doses. We’re still a long way from our target.” Dr Kaseya Said
To effectively address the outbreak situation, in Africa according to estimates by the Africa CDC there is a requirement of 600 million dollars and 10 million doses of vaccines. Despite some advancements, in securing vaccines the continent still falls short of the needed quantity. The challenges of distributing vaccines to regions and the constraints of healthcare systems add further complexity to the response efforts.
The Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has not resulted in statistics but has also caused profound suffering among individuals and communities in the region. Families have been shattered by sickness and loss of loved ones; at the time financial stability has been upended as people grapple with the fallout of the outbreak.
The battle against Mpox in the DRC is a lengthy endeavor that demands collaboration from governments and global entities along with the public to tackle the issues presented by this enduring virus threat. With support enhanced vaccine availability and reinforced healthcare infrastructures there is a chance to shift the momentum and halt additional hardships.
In the midst of the Mpox crisis gripping the world today, the situation in the DRC serves as a reminder of the outcomes that can result from ignoring public health and underscores the pressing call for worldwide unity and support.
