Rwanda-Backed M23 Insurgency Hampers Mpox Response in Eastern DRC
Six weeks after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized two major cities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the region is now facing a setback in its fight against the mpox outbreak. The DRC currently bears the highest burden of the virus globally, with the epicenter of infections located in the conflict-ridden eastern provinces.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has raised concerns over the situation, revealing that the ongoing fighting has forced more than 600 mpox patients to flee hospitals. The country recorded a 31% increase in cases last week, bringing the total number of infections to 16,255.
Disrupted Health Services and Vaccine Shortages
Many patients remain unaccounted for, and critical medical supplies, including recently arrived vaccines, cannot reach combat zones due to the deteriorating security situation. Additionally, hospitals have come under direct attack, further straining the country’s fragile health system.
“The situation has been very difficult. Insecurity has disrupted everything,” said Dr. Serge Munyahu Cikuru, a medical officer overseeing the Miti Murhesa health zone in South Kivu province. He noted that tracking patients to contain the virus’s spread has become nearly impossible, and health workers are running out of essential medicines and resources.
Authorities Seek Humanitarian Corridor for Medical Aid
To address the crisis, authorities have reportedly initiated negotiations for a temporary suspension of hostilities to facilitate the creation of a humanitarian corridor. This would allow essential medical supplies to reach affected regions and assist health workers in managing the outbreak.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously warned that Clade 1b, the strain of mpox currently spreading in the DRC, poses a significant global health threat. The virus, which is primarily transmitted through close contact, causes fever, muscle aches, and painful skin lesions. While most cases are mild, mpox can be fatal, particularly in regions with limited healthcare access.
Multiple Health Crises in Eastern DRC
Beyond mpox, the eastern DRC is also grappling with multiple disease outbreaks, including cholera and measles. The escalating conflict has further weakened healthcare infrastructure, making it difficult for health authorities to control the spread of infectious diseases.
With no immediate resolution to the fighting, experts warn that the DRC’s health crisis will worsen, increasing mortality rates and overwhelming an already fragile health system. Urgent international intervention and humanitarian assistance will be crucial in containing the spread of mpox and other deadly diseases in the region.
Source: africanews