Congo Struggles Against Mpox Amidst Escalating Conflict with Rwanda-backed Rebels

Congo’s mpox response faces significant challenges due to the advances of Rwanda-backed rebels. Hospitals struggle to diagnose and treat patients effectively following the capture of Goma and Bukavu. The conflict has resulted in increased mpox cases and shortages of medical supplies, with 600 patients fleeing treatment centers. Efforts to negotiate a humanitarian corridor are taking place, but the situation remains grave.

Eastern Congo experiences a significant setback in its response to the mpox outbreak due to the recent advances of Rwanda-backed rebels. Following the capture of Goma and Bukavu by the M23 rebel group, hospitals that were once key in combating the epidemic are now struggling to diagnose and treat patients effectively. Infectious disease cases have surged in this region, resulting in a dire public health crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.

The World Health Organization previously declared the mpox outbreak a global health emergency, given its rapid spread to neighboring African countries. However, with increased conflict, the established healthcare system’s ability to manage the situation has deteriorated significantly. Hundreds of patients fled treatment centers amid the violence, resulting in an acute shortage of medical supplies, including drugs and vaccines.

Dr. Serge Munyahu Cikuru, a medical officer in Miti Murhesa, reported the chaos, stating, “Insecurity has disrupted everything.” This disables treatment efforts not only for mpox but also for other diseases such as cholera and measles that are prevalent in the region. Current data shows a 31% rise in mpox cases over a week, totaling 16,255. Alarmingly, posts of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that only seven of Congo’s 26 provinces are reporting cases, with the insecurity being a contributing factor.

The Miti Murhesa treatment center is on the verge of resource depletion, with patients like Mubake Buroko Patrick expressing difficulties in accessing necessary medications due to the ongoing fighting. As discussions begin for establishing a humanitarian corridor for safe aid delivery, over 600 mpox patients have evacuated from hospitals in the eastern part of Congo. Dr. Cikuru emphasized the struggle of patients caught between combat and treatment, mentioning that adherence to necessary care is becoming increasingly challenging.

With fighting escalating, patient tracing and prevention measures against mpox are being compromised, raising fears of further case increases. Dr. Cikuru underscored the pressing concerns surrounding the scarcity of medical supplies which jeopardizes patient care in the area. The ongoing conflict continues to obstruct health workers’ efforts to deliver essential care, deteriorating the overall health outlook in eastern Congo.

In conclusion, the advance of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels has severely impacted Congo’s response to the mpox outbreak, complicating the situation for hospitals and healthcare workers. Ongoing conflict has led to a shortage of medical supplies, an exodus of patients, and challenges in outbreak management. Efforts to establish a humanitarian corridor are underway, but the urgent need for medical support and effective strategies remains critical to address rising disease cases amidst deteriorating health conditions.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com