The Monkeypox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to cause great concern both nationally and internationally. Since August 14, the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention has declared the situation a public health emergency. This disease, transmitted mainly by wildlife, has already caused more than 500 deaths in 2024, prompting the WHO to also declare an “international public health emergency”.
The Congolese authorities have deployed measures to stem the spread of the disease. It is recommended to avoid any human-animal contact in forest areas, not to consume meat from animals that have died naturally and to be wary of smoked meats, particularly for residents of regions bordering forests. The Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, Roger Kamba, emphasizes the importance of avoiding any direct or indirect contact with an infected person.
Alarming statistics show more than 15,600 confirmed cases of Monkeypox for the current year, with provinces such as Equateur, South Kivu, Tshuapa, Tshopo and Kinshasa being the most affected. The disease is historically endemic in 11 of the country’s 26 provinces. Faced with this situation, the Congolese government is forced to mobilize nearly 3 million doses of vaccines for 2.5 million people, representing a cost of $600 million. The first doses of vaccine will be provided by the United States and Japan next week.
With a cumulative total of more than 11,000 suspected cases, the Minister of Health warns of the need to combine vaccination with strict preventive measures to control the spread of the virus. Despite the crucial aspect of vaccination, prevention remains the essential pillar to contain the disease and protect the population.
The Monkeypox crisis in the DR Congo once again highlights the major challenges facing the Congolese health system. Coordination of efforts between health authorities, international organizations and the mobilization of resources are essential elements to stop this epidemic and avoid an escalation of the situation. It is imperative to stay informed, follow the recommendations of health authorities and remain vigilant to protect your health and that of your loved ones in the face of this scourge.