Mpox Epidemic in the DRC: How Doctors of the World Remains Committed to Combatting the Crisis

Mpox Epidemic in the DRC: How Doctors of the World Remains Committed to Combatting the Crisis

November 18, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Health

Mpox Epidemic in the DRC

In January, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reported its first case of Mpox. Ten months later, the epidemic still poses a serious threat. Currently, 700 people are infected each week, a significant increase from 81 weekly cases earlier this year. The total number of Mpox cases has reached 12,124. Despite the decline in international media coverage, the disease continues to spread. Doctors of the World (DotW) is working hard to improve care and prevention measures.

Training Healthcare Workers

One of DotW’s main goals is to train healthcare professionals. With support from the French Embassy’s Crisis and Support Centre, DotW trained 66 healthcare workers in detecting and managing Mpox, as well as providing psychological support. Jean-Claude Ziluga Mudumbi, a nurse, stated, “Doctors of the World trained us to understand this disease: its clinical signs, modes of transmission, complications, and prevention. We now know how to protect ourselves and others.”

Community Outreach

DotW trained 100 community relays and 20 community leaders to raise awareness about Mpox. Their efforts have reached over 70,000 people. François Gali Ngengele, a community supervisor, emphasized their role: “We inform the community about the risks and prevention of Mpox. We explain the signs, origins, and precautions and guide those affected to seek professional diagnosis.”

Understanding Mpox Transmission

Mpox is a zoonotic disease, transmitted from animals to humans. Human-to-human transmission happens through close contact, such as touching, kissing, or sexual activity. DotW has adopted a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health. In Katana, 20 animal health workers were trained alongside the healthcare staff.

François Gali Ngengele noted, “Weak collaboration among animal, human, and environmental health sectors increases risk. We emphasize the One Health approach to address threats comprehensively.”

Improving Treatment Facilities

DotW has enhanced treatment centers in Katana, Lwiro, and Kavumu. They provided 60 hospital beds, mattresses, blankets, sheets, and tents. To improve infection control, DotW supplied health centers with soap, gloves, disposable gowns, chlorine granules, trash cans, masks, handwashing stations, mosquito nets, and boots. Since October 4, the Katana care center has also provided three daily meals for patients and their companions.

Ongoing Commitment

Barry Mamadou Kaba, General Coordinator of Doctors of the World in the DRC, stated, “Our teams have been working tirelessly since the resurgence of this epidemic. South Kivu, the epicenter of the outbreak, is a region we know well, as we have been active there for over a decade.”

These training efforts are part of a broader campaign. Previous sessions held in Kamituga focused on community relays, health committee presidents, and sex workers. DotW remains dedicated to combating the Mpox epidemic through education, treatment, and community engagement.