The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently facing a health crisis of alarming magnitude, with the rapid spread of Monkeypox. This epidemic has already caused more than 1,100 deaths and nearly 42,000 suspected cases have been reported, confirming the seriousness of the situation in the country.
During a press conference held on November 13, 2024, the Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, Samuel Roger Kabamba Mulamba, stressed the urgent need for an effective response to this dreaded virus. Health authorities expressed their urgency to contain the spread of this viral disease to protect the Congolese population.
The country is eagerly awaiting the delivery of 100,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine from Germany to strengthen its vaccination efforts. To date, approximately 51,000 people have been vaccinated, but logistical challenges remain a major obstacle in managing this health crisis.
Health infrastructure in the DRC is often precarious, making access to care difficult for populations living in rural areas, particularly affected by the Monkeypox epidemic. Health authorities are working to strengthen logistical means to reach these vulnerable populations and ensure optimal vaccination coverage.
To counter this epidemic, the Congolese Government, in collaboration with international partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, is placing vaccination at the heart of its strategy to combat Monkeypox. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted to inform the population about the preventive measures needed to limit the spread of the virus.
However, despite the efforts made, reluctance and hesitation persist within certain Congolese communities, which constitutes an additional challenge to overcome in order to ensure effective vaccination coverage. It is essential that health authorities work to build population confidence in vaccination to ensure the success of vaccination campaigns.
To date, the regions most affected by Monkeypox, including South Kivu and North Kivu, remain on alert for the spread of this virus. Minister Roger Kamba stressed the need to prioritize vaccination of at-risk groups, such as health workers and populations living in high-transmission areas, to contain the disease.
In conclusion, the fight against Monkeypox in the DRC requires a coordinated approach, integrating vaccination, awareness raising and improvement of health infrastructure. The authorities remain aware of the challenges ahead and remain confident in the possibility of eradicating this epidemic by acting in a targeted and effective manner.. It is undeniable that international support and the mobilization of additional resources will be essential to strengthen the response to this major health crisis.