** Inventory of public health in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a point on mpox and cholera **
During the 44th meeting of the Council of Ministers, on May 23, 2025, the Minister of Public Health, Samuel Roger Kamba, shared a crucial overview of the epidemiological situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This assessment, centered on two major diseases – MPOX and cholera – illustrates both the persistent challenges with which the country is confronted and the efforts made to deal with it.
### MPOX trend
The situation of MPOX, a rare but worrying viral disease, has shown an encouraging trend. Indeed, between the beginning of 2024 and the 19th week of the current year, the number of suspicious cases dropped from 2157 to 738. This represents a significant response to the response efforts put in place by the health authorities. With a total of 1,07,121 suspected cases, including 21,270 confirmed and 1,800 deaths (a lethality of 1.65%), it is obvious that the fight against this disease continues to be priority in the government’s public health program.
Vaccination operations recently launched in three South Kivu health areas bear witness to a desire to intensify prevention. Vaccination is a vital tool in the control of epidemics; However, it raises questions about the access and acceptability of the population in the face of these interventions. What strategies does the Minister of Health are considering to promote population membership in vaccination?
### Little of cholera
At the same time, the situation of cholera remains worrying but also shows signs of improvement, with a drop in new cases, going from 2037 to 1667 and 32 notified deaths. This is a good omen, but it remains essential to deeply assess the causes of this recurring epidemic. Cholera, often linked to degraded health conditions, underlines the challenges of infrastructure and hygiene facing many regions of the DRC.
The Minister’s speech underlines that the government implements a response system, including free care of patients and the intensification of surveillance. However, it is fundamental to wonder if these measures are sufficient in the long term. What financial and human resources are allocated to improve health infrastructure in the affected regions? What is the collaboration with NGOs and other international actors?
### Global collaboration in front of pandemics
The pandemic agreement adopted during the seventy-eighth health health assembly, which was held in Geneva, represents an encouraging initiative to strengthen international cooperation. In reality, public health challenges are often global and require a collective response. This principle of collaboration is particularly relevant in the context of epidemics that transcend borders.
However, the implementation of this agreement will be decisive. What concrete measures will be taken by states, including the DRC, to stimulate this collaboration? How will the lessons learn from past crises will be integrated into future public health strategies?
### Conclusion
The recent advances about MPOX and cholera within the DRC, as exposed by Samuel Roger Kamba, are a reflection of the government’s commendable efforts in the face of complex health issues. However, the real measure of success will reside in the ability to maintain this dynamic and strengthen health infrastructure, while ensuring active participation of the population.
In short, public health in the DRC is a turning point. The challenges remain numerous, but the answers must be up to the stake: guarantee the health and well-being of the Congolese in a disturbing epidemic context. Continuous dialogue between ministries, civil society and the international community remains essential to build a healthier future for all.