Congo's Struggle Against Mpox: Overwhelm, Scarcity, and Hope

In the Kavumu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a surge of mpox cases has inundated local hospitals. Health workers face severe medicine shortages and overcrowding. Although vaccines are en route and funds are being disbursed, challenges persist. Traditional remedies are being used, highlighting the urgent need for international aid.

The town of Kavumu in the Democratic Republic of Congo is grappling with a severe mpox outbreak, with dozens of patients crowded into a makeshift isolation ward. Health workers are overwhelmed due to dire medicine shortages and lack of space.

As the epicenter of the outbreak, Congo has caught the attention of the World Health Organization, which has declared the situation a global public health emergency. Vaccines are expected shortly, alongside a $10 million allocation by President Felix Tshisekedi to control the virus.

However, local medical staff are desperate for more resources. "We run out of medicine every day," stated Dr. Musole Mulamba Muva, head doctor at the Kavumu hospital complex. Some patients and their families have resorted to traditional remedies amid dwindling international aid.

(With inputs from agencies.)