Title: Monkeypox in the DRC: an alarming epidemic that requires urgent action
Introduction :
The Monkeypox epidemic continues to rage in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with suspected cases recorded in several provinces of the country. According to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Health, since the beginning of the year until June 25, the country has recorded 5,236 cases of Monkeypox, including 229 deaths, representing a lethality of 4.6%. This alarming report shows the rapid spread and severity of this viral disease. In this article, we will explore the challenges faced by the management system of the Monkeypox incident in the DRC and highlight the importance of concerted action to combat this epidemic.
The progression of the disease and its consequences:
Monkeypox has affected 17 provinces out of the 26 in the DRC, which represents 65% of the country. The figures also show that the most affected age group is 5 to 15 years old, with a prevalence of 31.86%. In addition, the province of Equateur is the most affected, recording 1,545 cases alone, or 31% of the total. This province also recorded a high fatality rate of 6.9%.
However, the situation is worrying throughout the country, with low detection of clinical and biological cases, as well as a lack of care kits. This reality hampers the health system’s ability to effectively combat the Monkeypox outbreak.
Challenges to overcome:
The management system for the Monkeypox incident in the DRC faces many challenges. First, there is the rapid progression of the disease, which continues to spread to new areas. Then there is the lack of appropriate care kits, which limits the ability of medical professionals to provide adequate care to patients with Monkeypox. Additionally, there is low case detection, both clinically and biologically, making it difficult to monitor and respond effectively to the outbreak. Finally, there is a weak involvement of the community in the fight against Monkeypox, as well as a limited participation of other sectors in this fight.
The importance of urgent action:
Faced with these challenges, it is urgent that measures be taken to combat the Monkeypox epidemic in the DRC. It is essential to increase awareness and education of the population on the symptoms of the disease, hygiene measures and preventive practices. Additionally, it is crucial to provide medical professionals with the necessary care kits to provide quality care to patients with Monkeypox. Finally, it is important to encourage greater involvement of the community and other sectors in the fight against this epidemic..
Conclusion :
The Monkeypox epidemic in the DRC is an urgent problem that requires immediate action by health authorities and the population. The rapid spread of the disease, low case detection and lack of case kits are all challenges that the Monkeypox incident management system has to deal with. It is crucial to raise awareness, improve case detection and provide the necessary resources to fight this epidemic effectively