The Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, Samuel-Roger Kamba, presented the epidemiological situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo during the 28th meeting of the Council of Ministers held on Friday December 27, 2024. In his briefing note, it indicated a decrease in suspected Mpox cases, from 750 to 641, and no deaths were recorded.
“He first presented the epidemiological situation linked to Mpox. In this regard, he indicated that the trend in the 51st week, compared to the previous week, is marked by a decrease in suspected cases going from 750 to 641. No cases of death have been recorded Regarding vaccination against this epidemic, the cumulative number of people vaccinated is 55,266, with vaccination coverage of 28%,” reports the account. report of the meeting held from Mbuji-Mayi, capital of the province of Kasaï Oriental.
Regarding cholera, the minister reported the persistence of this disease in 2024, causing the death of 411 people for a total of 30,834 identified cases. “He also reported on the situation of this disease as well as that of measles in Kasai Oriental, highlighting the response actions that are being carried out,” adds the report.
Furthermore, the Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) has decided to maintain the outbreak of monkeypox (Mpox) as a public health emergency of international concern. This decision, announced on November 28, arises from the second meeting of the Emergency Committee of the International Health Regulations (2005), held on November 22, in the face of the resurgence of Mpox in 2024 in Africa.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the decision was necessary due to the continued increase in cases, their geographic spread, ongoing operational challenges and the need for a coordinated response among countries and partners. He said the situation had become more complex since the last meeting in August 2024, requiring an international response to prevent wider spread, particularly in countries where the number of cases remains low.
In its response strategy, the government of the DRC, through the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, relies on population awareness, prevention and treatment to eradicate Mpox epidemic.
Clement MUAMBA
