November 17, 2024
Mpox in the DRC: A Persistent Epidemic, Doctors of the World Stays Committed
MPox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection caused by a virus from the same family as smallpox. The emergence of a more deadly strain of the disease – 537 deaths in the DRC among the 15,600 cases reported since the beginning of the year – led the WHO to declare it a ‘public health emergency of international concern’ on 14 August.
Several countries bordering the DRC are already affected and others could be, including outside the African continent. Faced with this alarming situation, Doctors of the World, one of the most active medical NGOs in South Kivu, has initiated an initial response since April 2024 to stem the epidemic, drawing on its experience acquired during the Ebola and COVID crises.
Doctors of the World’s rapid response combines curative and preventive measures. The local health authorities have identified major needs in the prevention and control of the Mpox epidemic, notably in waste management, access to water and community reporting of cases. reporting of cases by communities.
Training and Capacity Building
Between April and mid-July 2024,65 community relays and 13 health committee chairpersons were trained. In addition, 350 sex workers were sensitized to the fact that (unprotected) sexual relations carry a high risk of contamination. This intervention by MdM Belgium enabled 70,000 people (including 36,358 women) to reduce the risks of transmitting the disease. It also strengthened surveillance and the medical response to the epidemic.
“Our expertise is crucial in managing this MPox epidemic. Doctors of the World, which is one of the main medical NGOs in the region, is targeting 7 key health zones in the coming weeks, where 86% of the cases recorded are concentrated. ”
In the coming weeks, Doctors of the World priority intervention will target people infected with the virus, whether suspected or confirmed cases, and health and community workers, as well as community leaders. But also other groups particularly at risk such as sex workers, traders, minors or people frequenting drinking establishments.
‘Our approach is strategic. We want to train health personnel, improve infection prevention and surveillance, support psychosocial support but also strengthen awareness and surveillance within communities.’
Solid Experience
Originally detected in monkeys, from which it gets its name, human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact, such as touching, kissing or sexual intercourse.
Like the Ebola epidemic or the COVID-19 pandemic, which Doctors of the World faced between 2019 and 2020, MPox is a zoonosis, i.e. a disease that is transmitted from animals to humans. With our partners, including Vétérinaires Sans Frontières, Doctors of the World is a pioneer in the One Health approach that integrates the health of people, animals and ecosystems.
Doctors of the World has been active in the DRC for over 20 years. Our teams work in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, but are also pioneers in the One Health approach, mentioned above.