Congo receives first mpox vaccine batch amid global emergency declaration

The Democratic Republic of Congo has received its first batch of mpox vaccines amid a growing outbreak that has led to over 655 deaths and approximately 20,000 suspected cases. The initial delivery of 99,000 doses is part of a larger effort to combat the virus, with a second batch of 101,000 expected soon. However, the country faces significant challenges, including a fragile healthcare system, limited diagnostic capabilities, and widespread stigma surrounding the virus. Healthcare workers in Congo are overwhelmed and under-resourced, often resorting to makeshift isolation wards to treat patients. The lack of rapid testing for mpox and the limited number of laboratories complicate the situation further. The first vaccines will be prioritized for healthcare workers and known contacts of infected individuals, but experts warn that this may not be sufficient to curb the virus's spread in communities, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. The outbreak has primarily affected rural areas, but there are fears it could reach densely populated cities like Kinshasa, which houses around 15 million residents. Additionally, internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in the Eastern Goma region, where many have fled violence, are at risk due to poor hygiene and lack of clean water. Efforts to educate these communities about mpox are ongoing, but distinguishing it from other common skin diseases remains a challenge. As the vaccination campaign begins, the need for a comprehensive response is critical. The continent requires approximately 10 million doses to effectively combat the outbreak, highlighting the urgency of international support and resources to address this public health crisis in Congo.