Synopsis
The Africa CDC has expressed concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Eastern DRC, which is hindering monkeypox containment efforts. With over 9,959 cases reported this year, the DRC is the epicenter of the outbreak, facing challenges from ongoing violence and inadequate health infrastructure.Key Takeaways
- Deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the DRC are obstructing monkeypox response.
- The DRC has reported 2,707 monkeypox cases in a week, with 516 confirmed.
- Violence in Goma is contributing to health challenges.
- Monkeypox outbreak declared a public health emergency.
- Africa CDC warns of further spread due to displacement of people.
Addis Ababa, Jan 31 (NationPress) The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has raised alarms about the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which are significantly obstructing efforts to combat the spread of monkeypox in the area.
This year, Africa has seen over 9,959 monkeypox cases, with 85 fatalities, as reported by Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya during an online media session.
In just this week, eight countries across Africa documented 3,300 new cases, with 914 confirmed, as per data from African Union's specialized health agency.
The DRC, identified as the epicenter of the ongoing monkeypox epidemic on the continent, has recorded 2,707 cases in the last week, including 516 confirmed cases and 38 deaths, according to Kaseya.
He emphasized that the escalating humanitarian crisis in the eastern DRC, particularly in Goma, where clashes between the DRC army and M23 rebels are intensifying, is hampering initiatives against monkeypox and other infectious diseases.
The humanitarian crisis in the DRC is impacting not only monkeypox response efforts but also other disease outbreaks, Kaseya noted. Health infrastructure is severely damaged, and access to essential services like water and sanitation is nearly nonexistent.
In addition to monkeypox, he highlighted the presence of cholera, measles, and other disease outbreaks in the region.
Kaseya cautioned that the significant displacement of individuals could lead to a broader spread of the monkeypox virus across the DRC and its neighboring regions.
“Individuals fleeing Goma could transmit the virus to different areas within the DRC and adjacent countries. While violence may not eliminate us all, outbreaks can be deadly,” Kaseya remarked.
As reported by Africa CDC, among the 21 nations affected by the current monkeypox outbreak since the beginning of last year, 12 continue to experience active virus transmission.
In mid-August of the previous year, Africa CDC classified the monkeypox outbreak as a public health emergency of continental security. Subsequently, the World Health Organization labeled the viral illness a public health emergency of international concern, marking the second instance in two years of activating its highest global alert level for monkeypox.
Initially identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958, monkeypox is a rare viral illness primarily spread through bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and other contaminated materials. Symptoms commonly include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
