The European Union is supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in its fight against the monkeypox (Mpox) epidemic which is affecting certain provinces of the country. Funding of 350,000 euros has been provided by the EU to its partner ALIMA to strengthen capacity in disease surveillance, case management and infection prevention.
According to Congolese authorities, nearly 9,000 cases and 500 deaths have been recorded since the start of the Mpox epidemic. Measures have been taken in some regions, such as Maniema province, to strengthen detection, case treatment and epidemic control. However, new epidemic outbreaks have been reported in areas previously spared.
The European Union funding will be used to support a 5-month humanitarian project, aimed at strengthening response measures, including through surveillance, community awareness, diagnostics and treatment. This aid is particularly aimed at the Tunda Health Zone, where the majority of cases and deaths concern those under 15 years of age.
Alongside this initiative, the European Union continues to provide support to vulnerable populations in eastern DRC by setting up a humanitarian airlift to the city of Goma. This new phase of the airlift aims to improve access to health services and humanitarian aid in the region.
The European Union’s commitment to the DRC in the fight against the monkeypox epidemic demonstrates its constant support for vulnerable populations and its desire to contribute to the prevention and management of health crises. Cooperation between the EU and its humanitarian partners, such as ALIMA, is essential to address the public health challenges facing the country.