Mpox Outbreak Spreads in Eastern Congo, Patients Await Vaccines
The Democratic Republic of Congo is bracing for the arrival of its first shipment of Mpox vaccine doses, as the outbreak continues to spread in the eastern region. The country has been awaiting the vaccines for weeks, and patients at a clinic in Kamituga are anxiously awaiting their arrival.
Richard Songa, a patient at the Alima clinic, is one of the many individuals affected by the outbreak. He arrived at the clinic in a critical condition, with Mpox covering his entire body. "I had already lost hope because I did not know if I was going to survive, but now I see a change and I am starting to heal," he said. Songa’s experience highlights the importance of having access to vaccines, as he believes that if he had not received treatment, he would have died.
Dr. Fiston Nepa, a doctor at the Alima clinic, explained that the majority of their patients are adults, as the virus spreads more readily through sexual contact. "Sexual activity occurs among adults, not children," he said. The clinic has seen over 18,000 suspected cases and 629 fatalities in Congo, with the World Health Organization declaring a global emergency on August 14.
The WHO has estimated that around 230,000 vaccines could be dispatched "imminently" to Congo and other affected areas. Additionally, the organization is developing educational campaigns to inform people on how to prevent the spread of mpox in regions experiencing outbreaks.
The arrival of the vaccines is a significant step forward in the fight against the outbreak, and patients like Richard Songa are eagerly awaiting their arrival. "If there is a vaccine, it is important to have it because this disease is very dangerous and risks killing people," Songa said. "Personally, if I had not come here to Alima hospital, I would have died. If there is a vaccine that can prevent this disease, it is important to have it."
The Mpox outbreak is a stark reminder of the importance of global cooperation and access to vaccines. As the world continues to grapple with the outbreak, it is crucial that we prioritize the health and well-being of those affected, and work towards a solution that ensures everyone has access to the vaccines they need.