Eastern DR Congo Crisis Increases Risk of Mpox Transmission, WHO Chief Warns
February 3, 2025 | 12:00 PM
Geneva, Switzerland – The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed concern over the increasing risk of mpox transmission in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The conflict in eastern DR Congo has resulted in widespread displacement, poor living conditions, and limited access to healthcare, creating fertile ground for the spread of infectious diseases. Dr. Tedros highlighted that the mpox virus, which causes symptoms similar to smallpox, is particularly concerning due to its high fatality rate and the vulnerability of the affected population.
“The humanitarian crisis in eastern DR Congo is a major threat to the health of the people and to the wider region,” said Dr. Tedros. “The conflict has created the perfect conditions for mpox to spread, and we must act urgently to prevent a large-scale outbreak.”
Mpox is transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials, and it can spread through respiratory droplets, skin lesions, or bodily fluids. In the last major outbreak in DR Congo in 2021, over 5,000 cases were reported, with a fatality rate of approximately 10%.
The WHO is working with partners on the ground to strengthen disease surveillance, provide vaccination, and improve access to healthcare in eastern DR Congo. The organization is also calling on international donors to provide additional funding to support these efforts.
“We need to scale up our response now to prevent a major outbreak,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “We are working with the Government of DR Congo and our partners to reach as many people as possible with vaccination and other preventive measures.”
The WHO has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), highlighting the urgent need for global collaboration to control the spread of the virus. The organization is recommending that countries strengthen their surveillance systems, have enough diagnostic tools and treatments, and plan for vaccination campaigns.
The WHO urges governments, health organizations, and the general public to remain vigilant, report suspected cases promptly, and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of mpox. By working together, we can control this outbreak and protect the health of people in DR Congo and around the world.
Eastern DR Congo crisis increasing risk of mpox transmission, WHO chief warns
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