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DRC: at least 11,000 cases and more than 400 deaths due to M.pox in 6 months

Published on Sun, 07/21/2024 - 11:39 | Modified on Sun, 07/21/2024 - 15:54


At least 11,164 cases and 447 deaths due to Monkey pox disease (M.pox) have been recorded since the beginning of 2024 in the DRC.

These figures provided by the Ministry of Public Health worry Doctor Jean-Jacques Mbungani, former Minister of Health.

This public health expert called on the Government on Saturday July 20 to take more action to limit the spread of this disease.

He is calling for Monkey Pox to be officially declared by the Government as a public health problem of international concern.

In this regard, according to him, there will be a greater focus on this epidemic from international organisations.

Dr Mbungani also mentions the proximity of the borders of Rwanda and Burundi which would favor the spread of this deadly disease:

“ We are on the border between Rwanda and Burundi. There are many cases reported in South Kivu, the Ministry of Health should monitor this closely to protect our populations .”

This doctor recommends that the Suminwa Government organize the response in collaboration with all health actors, in all mechanisms to slow the spread of M.Pox.

" We must make an effort to improve coordination and the mobilization of resources, in order to support the provinces with experts ," said Dr. Mbungani.

" But there are also efforts to be made to train these experts so that at the provincial level the care is efficient ," he added.

This former Minister of Health fears that because of the surge in Mpox cases, the DRC will be declared a "Country at risk of public health of international concern".