The ongoing mpox outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has placed immense pressure on medical staff in South Kivu, as they grapple with a rising number of cases and a lack of essential resources. The disease, formerly known as monkeypox, has claimed the lives of over 635 people across the country this year, and health workers on the front lines are desperately awaiting the arrival of vaccines to help curb the spread of infections.
At the epicenter of the outbreak in South Kivu, a treatment center has seen an influx of patients, with more arriving daily, especially babies. Medical professionals report severe shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other critical supplies, raising concerns about their own safety as they continue to treat infected individuals. Many nurses are fearful of contracting mpox and inadvertently spreading it to their families, particularly young children.
Despite the arrival of 200,000 vaccines in the country’s capital, Kinshasa, distribution to the remote regions of South Kivu remains stalled. The vaccines require storage at sub-zero temperatures to maintain their potency, a logistical challenge in the rural and underdeveloped areas most affected by the outbreak. The country’s limited infrastructure, coupled with bad roads, means that transporting these vaccines may take weeks, potentially requiring helicopters for delivery, which will add to the already significant costs.
The outbreak has overwhelmed community clinics, which are now flooded with patients. Facilities that would typically care for around 80 patients a month are now treating nearly 200, with the majority of new cases involving young children. Overcrowding has led to patients being forced to share beds or sleep on the floor, and the clinic has been rationing its dwindling supply of clean water. In some cases, patients are suffering from malnutrition due to the disease, which causes a severe loss of appetite.
The lack of resources has taken a toll on healthcare workers. Many are visibly exhausted, working long hours with minimal support. In the most severely affected areas, some clinics report having only limited medication available for patients and little staff motivation due to the harsh working conditions.
Although the country has struggled with vaccine hesitancy in the past, the devastating effects of mpox have created a growing demand for immunization. The physical toll of the disease, characterized by painful lesions, fever, and weight loss, has led to widespread calls for vaccines, as people desperately hope for relief. In rural areas like Lwiro, a hotspot for the outbreak, medical facilities are seeing the arrival of entire families infected with the virus, making the need for a solution all the more urgent.
The situation in South Kivu is further complicated by ongoing armed conflict between the Congolese army and several rebel groups, particularly the M23 militia. The insecurity in the region has severely disrupted the government’s ability to deliver not only mpox vaccines but also vaccines for other diseases. The fighting has displaced thousands of people, exacerbating the spread of mpox as displaced populations move into overcrowded areas, such as South Kivu, where medical facilities are already struggling.
Local authorities have expressed concern about the impact of the conflict on the country’s ability to respond to the outbreak. With much of the national budget being allocated to military efforts, there are limited funds available for healthcare and social services. This diversion of resources has left clinics underfunded and unprepared to handle the growing health crisis.
The government has pledged to address the challenges caused by the outbreak, but the combination of logistical hurdles, insufficient medical supplies, and ongoing conflict has made the task daunting. Without swift intervention and the rapid distribution of vaccines, the mpox outbreak threatens to continue its deadly toll on vulnerable populations in South Kivu.
In the face of these challenges, healthcare workers remain committed to treating their patients, but they urgently need support to contain the outbreak and protect themselves from the highly contagious virus.