The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a major health crisis as the fight against mpox is severely disrupted by ongoing violence in the eastern region. Just six weeks after rebels backed by Rwanda seized control of two key cities, the country has seen a surge in mpox cases, exacerbated by the breakdown of healthcare services and supply chains. With the DRC already bearing the highest burden of the virus, the latest developments threaten to undo progress made in containing the outbreak.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a troubling 31 percent increase in mpox cases within the past week, bringing the total number of infections to nearly 16,255. The escalation of fighting with the M23 rebels has resulted in more than 600 mpox patients fleeing hospitals, making it difficult for health officials to track and contain the spread of the virus. Many patients are now unaccounted for, further complicating efforts to curb transmission.
The worsening security situation has led to a severe shortage of medical supplies, including recently delivered vaccines, which can no longer be transported into conflict zones. Hospitals have not only been cut off from critical resources but have also suffered direct attacks, further crippling the region’s already fragile healthcare infrastructure. Dr. Serge Munyahu Cikuru, a medical officer overseeing the Miti Murhesa health zone in South Kivu province, described the situation as dire, with insecurity disrupting nearly all aspects of healthcare delivery. He noted that contact tracing efforts have been severely impacted, leaving health workers struggling to prevent further spread of the disease.
In an attempt to mitigate the crisis, authorities have reportedly begun negotiations to establish a temporary suspension of hostilities. The goal is to create a humanitarian corridor that would allow the safe delivery of medical supplies and provide assistance to those in need. However, with the conflict showing no immediate signs of resolution, the prospects for such an agreement remain uncertain.
Compounding the crisis, the World Health Organization has recently warned that the Clade 1b strain of the mpox virus continues to spread globally. The disease, which can be transmitted through close physical contact, causes fever, muscle aches, and painful, boil-like skin lesions. While mpox is generally mild, it can be fatal in some cases, particularly among individuals with weakened immune systems.
The challenges do not end with mpox. Eastern DRC is also grappling with outbreaks of other infectious diseases, including cholera and measles, which further strain the already overburdened health system. With resources stretched thin and medical personnel struggling to reach those in need, the humanitarian crisis in the region continues to deepen. As fighting rages on, efforts to contain the mpox outbreak are becoming increasingly difficult, leaving millions at risk in one of the world’s most unstable regions.
