In brief
Amid ongoing conflict in Eastern DR Congo, a mass exodus of mpox patients from clinics has alarming implications for public health, with authorities emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has led to a humanitarian crisis, with more than 500 mpox patients fleeing healthcare facilities over the past month. As violence escalates, particularly in cities like Goma and Bukavu, the situation raises urgent health concerns, notably the potential for a resurgence of the highly contagious disease. Authorities from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have stressed their worries that these missing patients could contribute to an outbreak of mpox, a virus that claimed approximately 900 lives in the country last year.Dr. Samuel Muhindo, who oversees a clinic in Goma, described chaotic scenes where looters ransacked medical supplies, leaving behind destroyed records and abandoned treatment centers. In one instance, 128 patients from the Mugunga health center fled following local violence, and health workers have been unable to locate them due to lost documentation.In addition to the looting of medicines, personal protective equipment, and crucial medical supplies, health facilities face further challenges. The M23 rebel group has also forced the closure of refugee camps that previously sheltered thousands of displaced persons. Although M23 later announced intentions for "voluntary returns," health experts like Dr. Muhindo fear this will exacerbate the mpox situation in returned areas.The Africa CDC reported a worrying increase in the number of missing mpox patients—a rise of 100 in just the past week—coupled with the emergence of a new variant believed to be more transmissible. Funding shortages and growing conflict hinder the response effort, further complicating the efforts to control the outbreak. In an attempt to combat the crisis, the Mugunga facility, which relies on support from UN children's agency UNICEF and UK Aid Direct, managed to reopen despite being overwhelmed, with some patients sharing beds due to high demand. Sadiki Bichichi Aristide, one of the patients receiving treatment, described his harrowing journey fleeing from rebel advances while his wife remained behind. He noted that the camp where he was previously staying displayed numerous mpox cases.Healthcare specialists are calling for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to safeguard ongoing health initiatives and prevent further spread of mpox in the region. However, the deteriorating security situation continues to pose a significant challenge to health authorities' ability to provide effective care.
