Congo’s Mpox Response Compromised by Rebel Advances and Conflict Escalation
The conflict in eastern Congo, fueled by Rwanda-backed rebels, has severely disrupted efforts to combat the mpox outbreak. Hospitals face shortages and increased patient flight, with reports of a 31% week-over-week rise in cases. Discussions for a humanitarian corridor are ongoing, but the security crisis continues to hinder effective health interventions.
Eastern Congo is experiencing significant setbacks in its response to the mpox outbreak due to the advance of Rwanda-backed rebels. Following the capture of Goma and Bukavu, hospitals are struggling with disease detection and treatment. The region, which had been the epicenter of the outbreak, is now hindered by increased conflict, impacting medical supply chains and patient care efforts.
The violence has led to the abandonment of treatment centers and a shortage of medications and vaccines. As insecurity mounts, hundreds of patients have fled facilities, further complicating containment and treatment measures. The World Health Organization recently classified the outbreak as a global health emergency, prompting urgent responses, but the advances of the M23 rebel group have severely limited humanitarian access.
Congo has reported a 31% weekly rise in mpox cases, now totaling 16,255, but this data reflects major disparities across the country. With only seven provinces reporting recent cases, the ongoing conflict has hampered disease tracking and medical interventions in the east. Treatment centers in hard-hit areas are running dangerously low on supplies.
In light of the deteriorating situation, discussions are underway for establishing a humanitarian corridor. Dr. Ngongo from the Africa CDC indicated that these negotiations require a halt to hostilities to facilitate emergency access. Although hospitals continue to manage patient care, they face significant shortages, raising concerns about potential case increases amid the conflict.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has critically undermined the fight against mpox, marked by increased patient flight, dwindling medical supplies, and challenges in disease tracing. Despite efforts to establish a humanitarian corridor, the situation remains dire, with fears of rising case numbers. Without immediate interventions, the health crisis may intensify, impacting the broader population’s safety and well-being.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
