Congo’s Mpox Response Deteriorates Amid Ongoing Rebel Conflict
Eastern Congo’s response to the mpox outbreak is critically hindered by the advance of Rwanda-backed rebels, particularly after the capture of Goma and Bukavu. Hospitals face shortages of medical supplies, fueling patient flight, while vaccine access remains limited. The region experiences rising case numbers amidst ongoing healthcare challenges, necessitating urgent humanitarian action to restore order and ensure treatment access.
Congo’s battle against the mpox outbreak has encountered significant challenges following the advance of Rwanda-backed rebels in the eastern region. With the cities of Goma and Bukavu captured by the M23 rebel group, hospitals that previously played a substantial role in combating mpox now face obstacles in detecting and treating the disease. This escalation has resulted in a substantial disruption of healthcare services, affecting thousands of patients seeking treatment for mpox.
The World Health Organization declared the mpox outbreak a global health emergency due to a newly identified variant that has spread rapidly across neighboring African countries. The conflict in Congo has exacerbated the situation, leading to a humanitarian crisis where patients flee facilities, and hospitals experience shortages of drugs and vaccines. Doctors report that the collection and testing of medical samples are stagnating.
Dr. Serge Munyahu Cikuru, overseeing the Miti Murhesa health zone, articulated the gravity of the situation, stating that insecurity has severely disrupted health services. Concurrently, the country is grappling with cholera, measles, and other unidentified outbreaks intensifying the public health challenge. Some regions report a rise in mpox cases, yet access to care remains limited primarily to provinces outside the eastern conflict zone.
Amid the turmoil, vaccination efforts have surged in other provinces, but eastern Congo continues to be isolated from these supplies. The Miti Murhesa treatment center, crucial for managing mpox cases, is quickly diminishing its supply of medical resources, affecting the treatment of patients like Mubake Buroko Patrick, who expressed concerns over access to medications amid the fighting.
Discussions are underway for establishing a humanitarian corridor to facilitate aid access, but such efforts necessitate a halt in hostilities. The situation has led to an exodus of patients from various hospitals, with the Africa CDC noting the significant impact on the treatment capacity in regions heavily affected by conflict. Tracing and caring for mpox patients have become increasingly difficult due to the upheaval, raising fears of a potential increase in case numbers if conditions do not improve.
As the conflict evolves, patients in affected zones are left with the painful decision between remaining in dangerous conditions or fleeing for safety. This crisis highlights not only the dire state of healthcare due to conflict but also the urgent need for humanitarian interventions to preserve lives and control the spread of mpox in the region.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, particularly the advancements of Rwanda-backed rebels, poses a severe setback to the response to the mpox outbreak. Hospitals are unable to provide adequate care and necessary treatments due to shortages and insecurity. As humanitarian efforts are sought, the situation remains critical, threatening the health of many individuals in the region and complicating the efforts to manage and contain the mpox outbreak effectively. Immediate action and support are essential to avert further escalation of this health crisis.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
