“Mpox in Focus: WHO Update and BBC Visit to DR Congo Clinic”

Mpox in Eastern DR Congo: A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Challenges

The fight against mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is taking a promising turn. Health workers in the eastern province of South Kivu, the epicenter of the outbreak, have reported a significant drop in new infections following the introduction of the first batch of vaccines in October. This progress, however, is only a piece of the larger puzzle as the battle against this deadly disease continues both locally and globally.

Understanding Mpox

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a highly contagious zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus. First identified in 1958, it is characterized by fever, rash, and painful sores. While mpox cases were historically confined to Central and West Africa, recent outbreaks have been recorded globally, underscoring its growing threat.

In the DRC, mpox has hit the population hard. Over 900 deaths this year are suspected to be linked to the disease, with children being disproportionately affected. A new, more severe strain, Clade 1b, is complicating containment efforts by spreading more rapidly and causing more severe symptoms.

Vaccination Brings Hope

The DRC’s vaccination campaign, launched in October with 265,000 doses donated by the international community, has been pivotal. Over 50,000 people have received the vaccine, prioritizing high-risk communities. Nurse Emmanuel Fikiri, who has been on the frontlines in Lwiro, observed a marked improvement in the situation. The overcrowded community hospital, once overwhelmed with nearly 200 patients, now sees fewer than 60.

“Vaccination has played a significant role,” Mr. Fikiri explained. “New infections are dropping dramatically, and patients are receiving better care.” For local medics, the shift from chaos to a semblance of calm has been a relief.

Challenges Remain

Despite progress, the battle against mpox is far from over. A significant challenge lies in protecting children, who make up 30% of the affected population in the DRC. Until recently, vaccines were not authorized for children. The WHO’s approval of a new vaccine from Japan for pediatric use offers hope, but deployment will take time.

Three-year-old Atukuzwe Banissa’s story highlights the disease’s devastating impact. His mother, Julienne Mwinja, described how her son’s symptoms escalated from teary eyes to painful sores across his body, resembling severe burns. Atukuzwe’s week-long stay in Lwiro hospital underlines the vulnerability of children and the urgency of targeted interventions.

Behavioral Shifts

One of the most significant shifts in the fight against mpox has been in community behavior. In the past, many patients turned to traditional healers before seeking medical help, often worsening their condition. Now, more people are coming to clinics as soon as symptoms appear, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Samuel Boland, WHO incident manager for mpox, attributes this change to heightened awareness and better community engagement. “People are more informed about the disease and its symptoms. Early medical intervention has been crucial in reducing the severity of cases,” he said.

Regional and Global Implications

While the situation in eastern DRC appears to be stabilizing, other regions in Africa continue to grapple with the disease. The Africa CDC reports mpox cases in 19 countries, with hotspots in Uganda, Rwanda, and Nigeria. Globally, mpox remains a public health emergency, with cases reported in nations as far-flung as the UK, US, India, and Thailand.

Dr. Boland cautioned against complacency. “In the DRC, we’ve seen some plateauing in cases, but there are still regions where infections are escalating. The global response must remain robust and coordinated,” he emphasized.

The Road Ahead

For the DRC, the coming months will be critical. Dr. Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa CDC, predicts that sustained vaccination, enhanced surveillance, and improved laboratory systems could lead to a tangible decrease in cases and deaths by early 2024. However, he also acknowledges that the outbreak is far from under control.

In Lwiro, nurse Jackson Murhula shares a cautious optimism. While daily new cases have dropped from 10–15 to 2–3, he notes that the disease persists. “We’ve seen progress, but it’s too soon to declare victory,” he said.

A Call for Global Solidarity

The ongoing mpox outbreak highlights the urgent need for a united global response. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus has called for coordinated efforts to address vaccine disparities, strengthen healthcare systems, and combat the stigma surrounding the disease.

The international community’s support has been instrumental in the DRC’s progress. However, more work is needed to ensure equitable vaccine distribution, especially for vulnerable groups like children. With the disease spreading beyond Africa, the fight against mpox is a shared responsibility.

A Glimpse of Hope

Despite the challenges, the story of Lwiro’s hospital offers hope. Empty beds in the children’s ward signal progress, while the smiles of healthcare workers reflect newfound optimism. For families like Julienne Mwinja’s, the availability of medical care and vaccines brings solace in their darkest hours.

As the world watches, the DRC’s battle against mpox serves as a stark reminder of the importance of global health equity. It also underscores the resilience of communities and healthcare workers in the face of adversity.

The journey to defeating mpox may be long, but every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory worth celebrating.