October 30, 2024
Project 2025’s Environmental and Climate Policy Proposals
It was in early January that the first case of the recent Mpox epidemic was reported in the DRC. 10 months later, the deadly virus continues to wreak havoc. 700 people are infected each week, while the weekly toll was 81 at the beginning of the year. In total, there are 12,124 cases of Mpox. The disease continues to spread even though it is no longer in the international news. Doctors of the World is continuing its intervention to improve care and prevention.
In early January, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reported the first case of the current Mpox outbreak. Ten months later, the virus continues to pose a serious threat, infecting 700 people each week, up from 81 weekly cases at the start of the year. With 12,124 total cases, the epidemic persists despite fading from international headlines. Doctors of the World (DotW) remains dedicated to improving treatment and prevention.
Strengthening Health Personnel
A key focus of DotW’s efforts is training healthcare workers. With funding from the Crisis and Support Centre (CDCS) of the French Embassy, DotW has facilitated training for 66 healthcare professionals in case detection, management, and psychological support.
“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,” said Jean-Claude Ziluga Mudumbi, a nurse.
Community Engagement
DotW has also trained 100 new community relays and 20 community leaders to spread awareness about Mpox. Through their outreach, over 70,000 people have received critical information.
“Our role is to 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,” said François Gali Ngengele, a community supervisor.
Understanding Transmission
Like Ebola and COVID-19, Mpox is a zoonotic disease, passed from animals to humans, with human-to-human transmission occurring through close contact, such as touching, kissing, or sexual activity. To address this, DotW has integrated the One Health approach, connecting human, animal, and environmental health. In Katana, 20 animal health workers were among the 66 trained healthcare staff.
“We’ve seen that weak collaboration among animal, human, and environmental health sectors increases risk. This is why we emphasize the One Health approach to address threats comprehensively,” explained François Gali Ngengele.
Enhanced Care Facilities and Supplies
DotW has bolstered Mpox treatment centers in Katana, Lwiro, and Kavumu with 60 hospital beds, 60 mattresses, 100 blankets, 120 sheets, and two large tents. To support infection control, DotW also provided health centers with 1,500 bars of soap, 40,000 pairs of gloves, 2,000 disposable gowns, 225 kg of chlorine granules, 70 trash cans, 30,000 masks, 30 handwashing stations, 120 mosquito nets, and 60 pairs of boots.
Since October 4, patients and their companions at the Katana care center have been receiving three daily meals.
Sustained Commitment
“Our teams have been working tirelessly since the resurgence of this epidemic and continue to do so. South Kivu, the epicenter of the outbreak, is a region we know well, as we have been active there for over a decade,” said Barry Mamadou Kaba, General Coordinator of Doctors of the World in the DRC.
* These training efforts are part of a larger campaign, including previous sessions held in the Kamituga health zone between April and July 2024, where 65 community relays, 13 health committee presidents, and 350 sex workers were also educated.
Photographs
Alexis Aubin