Conflict in eastern DRC threatens mpox outbreak response

Almost two months after Rwanda-backed rebels seized major cities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the ongoing conflict has severely hampered efforts to control the spread of mpox.

The DRC currently has the highest number of mpox cases, with the worst-hit region being the East.

As fighting with the M23 militia escalates, more than 600 patients have fled hospitals, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Last week, DRC saw a 31% increase in mpox cases, totalling approximately 16,255.

Many patients have gone missing, and the newly arrived vaccines are running out as supplies fail to reach the combat zones. Additionally, hospitals have been under attack.

“The situation has been very challenging. Insecurity has disrupted everything,” said Dr. Serge Munyahu Cikuru, the medical officer in charge of the Miti Murhesa health zone in South Kivu province.

Tracing patients to prevent the spread of mpox has become more difficult, and health workers are running out of options on how to manage the remaining medical supplies, according to Dr. Cikuru.

Authorities have reportedly initiated negotiations for a temporary ceasefire to establish a humanitarian corridor, allowing essential medical supplies to reach the conflict zone.

Last month, the World Health Organization warned of the continued global spread of the Clade 1b strain of the virus.

Mpox can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person and causes symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and skin lesions.

Although usually mild, mpox can sometimes be fatal.

To compound matters, the country is simultaneously battling other diseases in the East, including cholera and measles.