The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an emergency response to combat the resurgence of the Mpox virus (also known as monkeypox) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). With over 18,000 cases and 500 deaths reported, the DRC has become the epicenter of the outbreak, with a disproportionate 70% of cases affecting children.
Amidst the ongoing insurgency in the DRC, the WHO is working to adapt its strategies to reach conflict-hit regions. Dr. Samuel Boland, incident manager for Mpox at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, stated that they are utilizing alternative methods, such as radio broadcasts, to reach inaccessible areas.
The DRC is expected to receive vaccine doses by next week, which the WHO emphasizes are urgently needed. Dr. Boland stressed that the key to success lies in distributing vaccines to the affected populations quickly and efficiently.
The WHO has declared Mpox a global health emergency, with outbreaks reported in multiple African countries. However, the organization reassures that this is not another COVID-19 situation, and that prevention mechanisms, such as public awareness and social measures, can effectively curb the spread of the virus.
