The escalating conflict in Goma, a strategic city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is significantly hampering efforts to contain the ongoing mpox epidemic. As violence intensifies between the M-23 militia reportedly backed by Rwanda and the DRC government forces, the humanitarian situation has worsened, forcing thousands to flee and overwhelming local hospitals.
According to Dr. Yap Boum, Africa CDC’s deputy incident manager for Africa, the conflict has severely disrupted healthcare services. More than 128 mpox patients fled from health facilities in Goma due to the fighting, increasing the risk of further disease transmission within the displaced population. Furthermore, concerns have been raised over improper handling of deceased bodies, which could exacerbate the spread of the virus.
Recognizing the urgent need for medical intervention, Africa CDC and its partners are in discussions with the DRC government to establish a humanitarian corridor. This corridor would enable the transportation of essential medical supplies and personnel, including doctors, infection control specialists, and laboratory technicians, to North Kivu.
Currently, the deteriorating security situation has made it nearly impossible to conduct testing and surveillance in the region. The National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB) laboratory in Goma, which plays a key role in tracking the epidemic, has ceased processing mpox tests since the conflict escalated. As a result, the recent reported decrease in mpox cases may not reflect an actual decline in infections but rather a lack of reliable data due to disrupted testing and monitoring systems.
Despite the challenges, the DRC has reported 2,635 new suspected mpox cases in the past week, with 878 confirmed infections and 28 deaths. These figures highlight the severity of the outbreak, which continues to spread amid the ongoing violence. However, public health experts warn that the actual numbers could be much higher due to the breakdown of healthcare services in the region.
The displacement of large populations due to conflict further compounds the crisis. With thousands of people forced to seek refuge in makeshift camps or neighboring areas, overcrowding and inadequate sanitation create ideal conditions for the virus to spread. The inability to implement proper infection control measures, including isolation of patients and timely treatment, poses a significant public health risk.
The situation in Goma underscores the urgent need for international humanitarian assistance. The combination of armed conflict, a collapsing healthcare system, and a growing epidemic requires immediate intervention from global health organizations, donor agencies, and regional governments. Establishing a secure corridor for medical supplies and personnel is a critical step in mitigating the impact of the mpox outbreak and preventing further loss of life.
Efforts must also focus on restoring laboratory operations, resuming testing and surveillance, and ensuring displaced populations have access to medical care. Without immediate action, both the conflict and the epidemic could spiral further out of control, leading to devastating consequences for the affected communities.
As the world watches the crisis unfold, the situation in Goma serves as a stark reminder of the intersection between conflict and public health emergencies. Addressing the mpox outbreak requires not only medical intervention but also concerted efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
