DRC: Government actions to halt the spread of the monkeypox epidemic
The resurgence of the Monkeypox epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) demands a comprehensive response to mitigate its impact.
A six-month project has been initiated with the goal of enhancing surveillance, medical, and psychosocial care for Monkeypox patients in the provinces of Equateur and Tshopo.
The total budget for this initiative is $5 million, with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Mbandaka office confirming receipt of $1 million in funding from USAID.
To swiftly address the Monkeypox outbreak in Equateur, the WHO has provided 66 medical kits to the provincial health division.
The project also includes resources for laboratory testing supplies, medications for infections, and transportation and communication tools.
Last year, the DRC reported 14,000 cases of Monkeypox, resulting in 600 deaths. By mid-June 2024, the country has already recorded approximately 8,600 cases and 410 deaths.
“At the current rate, we risk becoming a source of cases for other countries,” warned a medical professional.
The majority of victims are children under 15 years old, as noted by Dr. Nicole Kumbolani Afuwa, head of the provincial health division.
The prevalence rate is 9%, which is significantly higher compared to other provinces in the DRC, according to Dr. Didier Mbula Ibenge, the provincial health minister, who launched the Monkeypox response project in Mbandaka.
He called on all healthcare providers to collaborate with the community and health ministry partners to overcome this Monkeypox epidemic.
Gilbert Fotso
