Congo Faces Setback in Mpox Response Due to Rebel Advances in Eastern Region

Rwanda-backed rebel advances in eastern Congo have disrupted efforts to combat the mpox outbreak, leading to significant setbacks in treatment and patient care. The capture of cities like Goma and Bukavu has caused severe shortages in medical supplies, forced hundreds of patients to flee, and stalled the response amidst ongoing conflict. Negotiations for humanitarian access are underway as health authorities warn of rising mpox cases.

Recent advancements by Rwanda-backed rebels pose a significant challenge to the response against the mpox outbreak in eastern Congo. Hospitals, once critical in addressing the health crisis, are now struggling to detect and treat the disease. With Goma and Bukavu under rebel control since January 26, efforts to manage the outbreak have been severely hampered, leading to a flight of patients from treatment centers and a critical shortage of medical supplies.

The ongoing conflict, highlighted by the M23’s military actions, has obstructed both access to treatment and timely testing of medical samples. Dr. Serge Munyahu Cikuru, the medical officer overseeing the Miti Murhesa health zone, noted, “Insecurity has disrupted everything,” reflecting the grave impact on public health efforts. Congo is simultaneously grappling with other diseases such as cholera and measles amidst its deteriorating healthcare situation.

Despite a reported 31% increase in mpox cases last week, with a total of 16,255 infections, only seven of the 26 provinces reported cases, indicating the dramatic effects of the ongoing security crisis. The Miti Murhesa treatment center faces an urgent depletion of supplies; patient Mubake Buroko Patrick expressed the increased difficulty in accessing necessary medications due to the unrest.

Negotiations for establishing a humanitarian corridor have commenced to allow aid access, yet reports indicate that over 600 mpox patients fled hospitals in the area as the conflict intensified. Dr. Cikuru highlighted that only two out of four treatment centers remain operational, complicating efforts to contain the outbreak and leading to continued fear of rising case numbers.

The capacity to trace patients has declined significantly, raising concerns of uncontrolled transmission of mpox, further affecting overall healthcare delivery. Dr. Cikuru cautioned, “Our fear is an increase in the number of cases due to the current situation,” underscoring the urgent need for intervention in the area.

The situation in eastern Congo underscores the profound impact of armed conflict on health crises, particularly the mpox outbreak. With key treatment facilities compromised and essential medical supplies dwindling, the health response is at a critical juncture. Without effective humanitarian access and security improvements, the potential for further increases in disease transmission poses a grave risk to the regional population.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com