Deadly Mpox Outbreak Grips Democratic Republic of Congo, Leaving Thousands Affected and a Trail of Tragedy
A hospital in South Kivu, the epicenter of the Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is struggling to cope with the influx of patients infected with the disease. Originally built to treat cholera patients, the facility has already recorded 800 cases, with a heartbreaking eight deaths, all children under the age of five.
"We have already recorded 8 deaths among the 800 cases we have at the hospital," says Dr. Musole Mulambamumba Robert, Medical Director of Kavumu Hospital. "We believe that once the vaccine is distributed, it can help stop the spread of this epidemic."
The situation is dire, with the facility receiving 20 patients per day, exceeding its capacity. Patients are now being treated on the floor, as the space allocated for treatment is full. Despite the challenges, medical professionals are working tirelessly to contain the spread of the disease and limit its chain of transmission.
South Kivu Province has been hardest hit, with 29 out of 34 health zones affected. The outbreak has already reported nearly 5,000 cases and 31 deaths across the province. Fear of further spread is high, as the public is not adhering to preventive measures, such as regular handwashing and avoiding physical contact.
To combat the outbreak, the World Bank has donated the first shipment of medicines, which will support treatment efforts in all affected health zones across the province. Vice-Governor of South Kivu, Jean-Jacques Elakano, emphasized the importance of this donation in the collective response to the epidemic. He urged the public to adopt preventive measures, saying, "Avoid close physical contact, wash your hands regularly with soap, or use hand sanitizer. Above all, ensure food is prepared and cooked thoroughly."
Stakeholders have pledged to coordinate their efforts and use the medications wisely, aiming to treat over 80% of the current patient load. The World Bank’s donation is a crucial step towards containing the outbreak, and the international community is urged to join efforts to combat this deadly disease.