Why is Congo struggling to contain mpox?

Congo has been grappling with outbreaks of mpox, a disease endemic to the region for decades. The World Health Organization recently declared the situation a global health emergency, highlighting the severity of the outbreaks in Congo and other African nations. The country has reported over 720 deaths linked to the latest outbreaks, with a new, potentially more infectious strain identified in South Kivu. This strain has spread to neighboring North Kivu, exacerbating the crisis in an area already facing significant challenges. The eastern provinces of Congo are plagued by violence and a humanitarian crisis, which has severely strained health facilities. With over 6 million displaced individuals in the region, health authorities are struggling to provide adequate food and healthcare. The prevalence of malnutrition and undiagnosed HIV among the population increases the risk of severe cases of mpox, complicating the response efforts. Despite the urgent need for vaccines, Africa lacks the capacity to produce them, and Congolese authorities estimate a requirement of around 3 million doses. The response to mpox has been notably slower compared to previous health crises like Ebola and COVID-19, which received substantial international funding and attention. Critics argue that the lack of interest in mpox stems from its perception as a tropical disease with limited impact on Western economies. In conclusion, the combination of existing health challenges, violence, and inadequate resources has made it difficult for Congo to effectively manage the mpox outbreaks. The situation calls for immediate action to identify cases, isolate patients, and implement health education campaigns to mitigate the spread of the virus.