Fatshimetrie recently published an alert regarding the alarming increase in cases of Monkey Pox disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to the latest figures released by the humanitarian association Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the number of suspected cases tripled in 2023 to reach more than 14,600, with unfortunately 654 deaths recorded.
It is worrying to note that this disease is now endemic in 11 of the country’s 26 provinces, which is evidence of the worrying spread of the epidemic. Since the beginning of 2024, the situation has worsened further, with more than 12,300 suspected cases reported in 23 provinces, representing approximately 80% of the cases recorded in one year in 2023.
What is causing real concern is the genetic mutation recently identified in South Kivu, where human-to-human transmission appears to have been uninterrupted for several months. This evolution of the disease risks increasing its virulence and its capacity for contagion, thus endangering a growing number of people.
Another source of concern comes from the presence of the disease in the displaced persons camps around Goma, in the province of North Kivu. The population density in these areas makes the situation particularly critical, requiring urgent intervention to protect the most vulnerable populations.
In addition, superstitious popular beliefs linked to the disease complicate the implementation of public health measures. This erroneous perception of the disease as being the result of mystical practices or witchcraft hinders adherence to health recommendations, thus highlighting the importance of a community approach in the response to the epidemic.
Faced with these major challenges, Médecins Sans Frontières in the DRC is launching an urgent appeal for the mobilization of all stakeholders involved to intensify efforts to combat Monkey Pox. It is imperative to strengthen awareness and vaccination campaigns in order to protect the most at-risk populations as quickly as possible and to stem the progression of the disease.
In conclusion, the current situation requires a collective and coordinated response to contain the spread of Monkey pox in the DRC and prevent a larger-scale health disaster. The urgency is palpable, and only rapid and concerted action will stop this growing threat to public health.