Mpox Outbreak Worsens Amid War in Eastern DRC

Severe outbreak of Mpox is spreading through the town of Kabare, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in the war-torn eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The disease, primarily transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact, continues to challenge an overstretched healthcare system struggling to operate amid ongoing violence.

The conflict, which has raged since the beginning of the year, has placed immense strain on medical facilities and personnel. Despite shortages of essential supplies and constant disruptions, healthcare workers remain steadfast in their efforts to treat those affected by the virus.

For many residents, the combined toll of war and Mpox has been devastating. Patrick Buroko, a local patient, described the hardships he has faced.

“We suffer because of the war. The medicine is not always available. The wounds don’t heal, and the body doesn’t recover because the medicine comes late. But now I feel better since I received the medication. The care I’ve received has helped, but there’s still room for improvement,” Buroko said.

Initially diagnosed with malaria, he began showing Mpox symptoms just three days ago, highlighting the challenges of receiving timely and accurate medical care.

The virus, which causes painful skin lesions, spreads primarily through direct contact. Although comprehensive infection data remains scarce, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported late last year that South Kivu was the hardest-hit province in the country.

Families Facing Uncertainty
The outbreak has placed additional strain on families already struggling with the effects of war. Christine Masumbuko, the mother of a young girl diagnosed with Mpox, shared her daughter’s ordeal.

“When I brought my daughter to the health Centre, her temperature was 39.5°C. They gave her some tablets, but when the nurses injected the medicine, she fainted. I thank God because her condition improved, and she’s not like that anymore,” she recounted.

With an increasing number of people fleeing conflict zones, the disease is spreading further, overwhelming healthcare facilities. Dr. Serge Cikuro, a medical officer in Miti Murhesa, underscored the pressure on the health system.

“Patients continue to arrive, so we continue to provide care, but the health zone, which used to have four treatment centres, now only has two—one in Lwiro and the referral hospital in Miti,” he explained.

Government Launches Vaccination Campaign
In response to the escalating outbreak, the DRC government has initiated a large-scale vaccination campaign. The program, which began in Kinshasa on Thursday, aims to vaccinate over 600,000 people in an effort to curb the spread of Mpox.

As the country battles both war and disease, healthcare workers remain on the frontlines, delivering critical care despite overwhelming challenges. The situation remains precarious, with ongoing efforts needed to contain the outbreak and support affected communities.

Africanews/Patience Ameh