Fatshimetrie, October 2024 – The situation of patients with mpox (monkeypox) admitted to hospitals in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a matter of serious concern. The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Security recently made commitments to improve the conditions of care for these patients, following poignant testimonies evoking worrying shortcomings.
Dr. Roger Samuel Kamba, Minister of Public Health, visited the Cinquantenaire Hospital in Masina to assess the situation and meet with patients affected by mpox. The latter expressed their main concerns, including the lack of air conditioning and problems related to the insufficient quantity of food. In response to these testimonies, the Minister committed to finding solutions to improve the living conditions of these vulnerable patients.
Concrete measures have been taken to ensure an environment conducive to the recovery of patients with mpox. The Ministry of Health has given instructions to complete the necessary construction work and improve health infrastructure. The goal is to provide patients with appropriate care in optimal conditions and to ensure their well-being during their hospitalization.
At the same time, Dr. Kamba paid tribute to the dedication of the healthcare staff who, despite the risks involved, continue to provide care to patients with professionalism and compassion. Recognizing the commitment and hard work of healthcare staff is a crucial element in improving health services and defending patients’ rights.
This visit by the Minister of Health follows the viral dissemination of a video denouncing the conditions in which patients with MPOX are treated. This media coverage highlighted the urgent need to act to improve the quality of care and ensure respect for the dignity of patients.
At the same time, the Public Health Emergency Operations Center published a report detailing the scale of the MPOX epidemic in the DRC, with a significant number of suspected and confirmed cases. The current situation highlights the importance of strengthening prevention, screening and treatment systems for infectious diseases to protect the population and limit the spread of the epidemic.
In conclusion, the commitment of the government and the Ministry of Health to improve the conditions for treating patients with MPOX is an essential step towards better protection of public health in the DRC. It is essential to maintain this momentum of action to guarantee quality care and appropriate support for people affected by this serious disease.