Mpox claims 548 lives in DR Congo in 2024

DR CONGO: Monkeypox claimed as many as 548 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since the beginning of the year, affecting all provinces, according to a statement by Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global public health emergency due to the alarming rise in mpox cases across Africa, particularly in the DRC, and the virus's spread to neighboring countries.

In a video message to AFP, Minister Kamba revealed that the latest epidemiological report indicates 15,664 suspected cases of mpox in the DRC. The hardest-hit provinces include South Kivu, North Kivu, Tshopo, Equateur, North Ubangi, Tshuapa, Mongala, and Sankuru.

To combat the crisis, the government has implemented a response strategy centered on three main areas: raising public awareness about the virus, launching a national vaccination campaign, and enhancing disease surveillance at borders and checkpoints.

Additionally, the government has established working groups to improve contact tracing and mobilize resources to manage and control the epidemic effectively.