Democratic Republic of the Congo begins vaccinating against mpox: ‘It is a lifesaver’
October 9, 2024
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has initiated its mpox vaccination campaign, targeting health workers and high-risk groups. As the most affected African country, DRC has reported over 31,000 suspected cases and 1,000 deaths in 2024. The campaign aims to protect vulnerable populations and curb the virus's spread. However, the country faces significant challenges, including limited infrastructure, widespread poverty, and ongoing conflicts. The situation is particularly dire in displaced persons camps, where overcrowding and malnutrition increase the risk of infection. This vaccination effort represents a crucial step in combating the mpox outbreak in Africa.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched a crucial mpox vaccination campaign, becoming the second African country after Rwanda to do so. The initiative, which began in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, primarily targets health workers and high-risk groups such as butchers, hunters, veterinarians, and sex workers.
For health professionals like Dr. Jeanine Muhavi and nurse Paulin Tshimanga, the vaccine brings a sense of relief and protection. Tshimanga, who has witnessed the disease's impact firsthand, emphasizes the vaccine's importance in protecting both patients and families.
The urgency of this campaign is underscored by alarming statistics. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention report over 31,000 suspected mpox cases in the DRC since the beginning of 2024, with more than 5,000 laboratory-confirmed cases and approximately 1,000 deaths, mostly among children.
However, the DRC faces significant challenges in its fight against mpox. The country grapples with limited infrastructure, scarce diagnostic resources, widespread poverty, and ongoing insecurity due to prolonged military conflict. These factors have displaced over 1.5 million people, creating conditions that exacerbate the spread of the disease.
The situation is particularly dire in displaced persons camps, where overcrowding and lack of regular medical access increase infection risks. Malnutrition, especially among children, further complicates the crisis. Save the Children reports that 4.5 million children under five and 3.7 million pregnant and lactating women are at heightened risk of contracting and dying from mpox due to increased acute malnutrition rates.
Despite these challenges, the vaccination campaign represents a significant step forward in the DRC's efforts to combat the mpox outbreak. As the most affected country in Africa, the DRC's success in controlling the disease could have far-reaching implications for the continent's overall public health landscape. The campaign not only aims to protect the most vulnerable but also serves as a crucial opportunity to halt the virus's spread before it becomes unmanageable.