The “Multisectoral Emergency Public Health Response to the M-pox Outbreak in the DRC” project was unveiled at an inauguration ceremony in Goma, symbolizing a major step forward in the fight against this devastating disease. Held at the CEBECA/Virunga hospital, this initiative is the result of essential collaboration between different public health actors and benefits from substantial funding from the World Bank, reflecting the importance given to effective epidemic management.
The launch of this program marks a crucial step in the fight against the M-pox epidemic, which is raging in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu and Kinshasa. Thanks to an investment of five million and eighty thousand dollars from the World Bank, health professionals are now better equipped to respond quickly to emergencies and contribute to significantly reducing mortality linked to this disease.
At the ceremony, the UK Ambassador to the DRC, Alison King, stressed the importance of a proactive approach to preventing epidemics, highlighting the need to strengthen health and surveillance systems rather than simply reacting to health crises. She also expressed her country’s commitment to supporting local efforts in the fight against infectious diseases, stressing the importance of saving lives and preserving the dignity of citizens.
This ambitious project is expected to directly benefit 75,000 people and have an indirect impact on three million others. Its objective is to strengthen the capacity of the health system and effectively prevent the spread of epidemics, thus offering a glimmer of hope in the fight against infectious diseases in the DRC.
In conclusion, the launch of the “Multisectoral Emergency Public Health Response to the M-pox epidemic in the DRC” project represents a significant step forward in protecting the population against infectious diseases. Through international collaboration and adequate funding, health professionals are better equipped to prevent, detect and manage epidemics, thereby helping to save lives and strengthen the country’s health resilience.