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Mpox Outbreak Worsens Amid Conflict in Eastern DR Congo
The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has exacerbated the mpox outbreak, with over 500 patients fleeing healthcare facilities in just a month. The deteriorating security situation has prompted serious concerns from health officials regarding the potential spread of this contagious disease.
In particular, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has highlighted the gravity of the situation. The organization indicated that the missing patients could contribute significantly to the transmission of mpox, which has already claimed around 900 lives in the region last year. The outbreak primarily affects Goma and Bukavu, where violence erupted as the M23 rebels, believed to be backed by Rwanda, gained control.
“We experienced looting that resulted in the loss of critical medical equipment. It was a catastrophe,” stated Dr. Samuel Muhindo, who oversees a clinic in Goma. This alarming situation is compounded by the fact that many health workers have been unable to trace fleeing patients due to the destruction of important medical records during the chaos.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, manifests symptoms like fever, headaches, and skin lesions. Since the beginning of this year, DR Congo has reported nearly 2,890 cases and 180 fatalities associated with this virus. Dr. Muhindo revealed that 128 patients disappeared from the Mugunga health center as violence escalated in late January, and ongoing turmoil has disrupted attempts to follow up on their whereabouts.
Looters also struck the Bisengimana hospital in Goma, making off with essential medical supplies, including personal protective equipment. As fires burned outside the center, vital patient records were left in disarray. The conflict has further complicated the humanitarian response, particularly after the M23 ordered the closure of camps that housed tens of thousands who had fled violence in previous years.
The displaced residents received notice to vacate within 72 hours, although the M23 later promoted the idea of “voluntary returns.” Dr. Muhindo expressed fears of a potential outbreak as these individuals re-enter regions already vulnerable to the disease.
Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, the mpox incident manager at Africa CDC, has echoed these concerns, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to facilitate ongoing health interventions. “Time is of the essence as the number of missing patients has surged by 100 in just a week due to escalating violence,” he noted.
The emergence of a new mpox variant, potentially more transmissible, has also been flagged by health experts. The ongoing conflict between M23 and the Congolese army, accentuated by a lack of financial resources, is severely hindering the country’s capability to manage this public health crisis.
The Mugunga facility, which receives funding from Unicef and UK Aid Direct, finally reopened last week, but is now facing overwhelming demand. Reports indicate that in some cases, multiple patients are forced to share a single bed.
Sadiki Bichichi Aristide, a 23-year-old patient at Mugunga, shared his story of fleeing violence. He left his wife behind in search of safety and began showing symptoms after falling ill at a displacement camp. “It started with my fingers, developing into lesions that ruptured. My neighbors advised me to seek help at Mugunga with my children,” he recalled.
Dr. Oummani Rouafi, a health specialist with Unicef in Goma, stated that the re-opening of Mugunga occurred because some medical supplies were successfully hidden from looters. However, many other health centers have faced complete devastation and loss of resources, dramatically affecting their ability to treat patients effectively.
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