The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has exacerbated a severe mpox outbreak, with over 500 patients fleeing clinics in recent weeks. Health officials warn that the situation could spiral into an uncontrolled epidemic as the displaced individuals risk spreading the highly contagious disease.
The crisis has been particularly dire in the cities of Goma and Bukavu, which have witnessed intense fighting as M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, seized control of key areas. The violence has led to widespread looting of health facilities, making it nearly impossible for medical workers to track infected individuals.
Dr. Samuel Muhindo, who oversees a clinic in Goma, described the chaos following the rebel attacks. “We were looted. We lost equipment. It was a disaster,” he told the BBC. His clinic in Mugunga lost medical supplies and records, making it difficult to locate the 128 patients who fled at the end of January.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that causes symptoms such as fever, lesions, and headaches. It has proven fatal in many cases, with DR Congo recording nearly 900 deaths last year. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed that since the beginning of 2024, there have been 2,890 reported cases and 180 deaths in the country. A newly detected variant with “high potential for higher transmissibility” has further heightened concerns.
The impact of the conflict on healthcare services has been severe. At Bisengimana Hospital in Goma, looters took medicines and protective gear, setting fires outside the facility and scattering medical records. The loss of these essential resources has left healthcare workers struggling to contain the outbreak.
The situation has been further complicated by the M23’s decision to close refugee camps in Goma, displacing tens of thousands of people. Many have been forced to return to conflict zones, raising fears of widespread mpox transmission in vulnerable communities.
“Now we are afraid of an outbreak of the epidemic in the areas where the displaced people returned to,” Dr. Muhindo warned.
Efforts to combat the crisis have been hampered by the ongoing violence and limited funding. However, there is a glimmer of hope as the mpox treatment center in Mugunga, supported by UNICEF and UK Aid Direct, recently reopened. Still, health officials stress the urgent need for international assistance to prevent further escalation of the epidemic.
As fighting intensifies and more mpox patients go missing, DR Congo faces an uphill battle in containing the outbreak amidst a growing humanitarian crisis.
