The Democratic Republic of Congo is at the heart of a worsening mpox outbreak, with vulnerable communities bearing the brunt of the crisis. As global efforts to secure vaccines fall short, the situation in displacement camps near Goma highlights the urgent need for improved healthcare resources and public awareness.
Struggling to Protect the Most Vulnerable
In the Kanyarutshinya camp, near the eastern city of Goma, residents like Justine Munguiko face the harsh realities of the mpox outbreak. Her baby, Fidele, suffers from painful sores, similar to those afflicting many other children in the camp. Despite warnings about the disease, residents remain largely uninformed about its origins and how to effectively protect themselves.
Munguiko, like other mothers, has resorted to traditional remedies, boiling salty water and using Kitamatama leaves to treat her child’s symptoms. “This disease with skin lesions comes from I don’t know where,” said the 24-year-old mother, reflecting the confusion and fear gripping the camp. The lack of clear information and resources has left these communities vulnerable to the virus, which, while usually mild, can be fatal.
Efforts to Raise Awareness and Provide Support
As the World Health Organization recently declared mpox a global public health emergency, the need for effective communication and intervention has become more critical. Aid organizations like Medair are on the ground, attempting to bridge the knowledge gap. On Monday, a health worker from Medair held a session in the camp, explaining the risks and precautions to avoid infection. Residents received leaflets with visual guides, illustrating the dangers of close contact with infected animals or individuals.
“We need to get the right information out to the people who are immediately at risk,” said Ebere Okereke, an expert at Chatham House’s Global Health Programme. However, these efforts face significant challenges. Since the outbreak began in January 2023, Congo has reported around 27,000 cases and over 1,100 deaths, mostly among children. The virus has also spread to neighboring countries, further complicating containment efforts.
The Challenge of Limited Resources and Knowledge
The response to the outbreak is hampered by a chronic lack of funding and research. Helen Rees, co-chair of South Africa’s mpox incident management team, emphasized the global shortfall in understanding the virus’s transmission and the extent of asymptomatic cases. “We still globally do not have a good understanding of mpox outbreaks,” she noted, highlighting the urgent need for more comprehensive studies.
Despite these challenges, the determination to combat the virus remains strong among those directly affected. Camp resident Bizimungu Habimana, 46, expressed relief after the Medair presentation, learning that the disease is treatable. “We thought there was no medicine or cure for this disease. I’m so glad to hear it’s curable,” he said, reflecting a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing crisis.
As the international community grapples with the logistics of vaccine distribution and the complexities of public health education, the situation in Congo underscores the critical importance of timely intervention and accurate information. The most vulnerable populations continue to suffer disproportionately, making it imperative for global and local stakeholders to intensify their efforts in containing the outbreak and protecting those at risk.
Source: ReutersÂ
