Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo – In the early hours at the mpox treatment site at Nyiragongo General Referral Hospital, dedicated Congolese medics diligently care for patients infected with the disease. Following the WHO’s alert on the mpox outbreak and Africa CDC’s declaration of a continental emergency, these doctors persevere despite ongoing challenges like medicine shortages and the rebellion in the east.
Patients, including shopkeeper Madam Nyota Joyeuse, receive essential care in a separate tented area, ensuring isolation and treatment for the highly infectious disease. The recent rise in cases can be attributed to a new strain spreading rapidly across Africa.
Health workers like Rachel Maguru at the North Kivu Provincial Hospital have been combatting the disease, drawing on their experience from handling previous epidemics such as Ebola and COVID-19. However, the conflict in the region poses a significant obstacle to an effective response.
Concerns over vaccine availability, treatment stockouts, and the vulnerability of displaced populations highlight the urgent need for an integrated emergency response plan and increased awareness to mitigate the impact of mpox.
The Congolese government’s efforts and appeals for international support underscore the critical need for collective action to address the evolving health crisis.