The current Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sparked an unprecedented mobilization by various humanitarian organizations, including the World Food Programme (WFP) playing a crucial role. Faced with the rapid spread of this disease, WFP has committed to providing essential support to strengthen the Congolese government’s vaccination efforts. In collaboration with key partners such as UNICEF and WHO, the organization has undertaken the transport of 35,000 doses of vaccines to the areas most affected by the outbreak.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently the country hardest hit by the Mpox outbreak in Africa, with more than 30,000 cases reported and nearly 1,000 deaths recorded. The provinces of Congo Central, Maniema, Sankuru, South Kivu and South Ubangi are particularly affected by the spread of the disease. In this alarming context, WFP mobilized through its humanitarian air service, UNHAS, to ensure the efficient transport of vaccines to the most remote areas of the country. At the same time, rigorous cold chain measures were put in place to guarantee the optimal conservation of doses and their effectiveness.
Peter Musoko, WFP Country Director in the DRC, stressed the crucial importance of this vaccination campaign to protect the most vulnerable populations. In addition to its actions in the fight against malnutrition, the organization is now mobilizing to contain this epidemic which threatens the health and food security of the Congolese. Faced with the increasing number of humanitarian challenges facing the country, such as armed conflicts, mass population displacements and natural disasters, WFP insists on the need for an integrated approach to effectively respond to the most pressing needs.
The Mpox epidemic represents a major challenge for public health in the Democratic Republic of Congo, accentuating the suffering of a population already weakened by a complex humanitarian situation. With more than 30,000 cases and 990 deaths recorded since the beginning of the year, the situation requires a rapid and coordinated response from all stakeholders involved in the fight against this disease.
In this critical context, international solidarity and cooperation between the various humanitarian actors are essential to stem the Mpox epidemic and protect the health of the most vulnerable populations in the Democratic Republic of Congo.