In response to the spread of mpox, also known as monkey pox, a health control system has been set up at N’djili International Airport in Kinshasa. The Congolese Press Agency (ACP) reported that the National Border Hygiene Program (PNHF) took this initiative to closely monitor passenger flows on international and domestic flights.
Dr. Claude Taty, head of the PNHF post, explained that two alerts were reported on international flights, but the results were negative. This reinforcement of measures comes at a time when the DRC is preparing to launch its vaccination campaign against mpox, scheduled for October 2, a week earlier than the date initially announced.
WHO and European Union to the rescue
The Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of the mpox epidemic in Africa, has been battling for several months a spread that is difficult to control. The lack of vaccines has been a major obstacle in efforts to contain the virus. Faced with this situation, the World Health Organization (WHO) responded by declaring mpox a global public health emergency. This recognition has made it possible to mobilize international resources to support the most affected countries, including the DRC.
In this context, several batches of vaccines have been sent to the DRC to support the vaccination campaign. The European Union, in coordination with the WHO, has also contributed by providing funds and facilitating the distribution of vaccines in affected African countries. The vaccines are being deployed in strategic areas to curb the spread of the virus, which has already caused thousands of infections and hundreds of deaths.
An epidemic that affects all of Africa
MPOX is not limited to the DRC. Several other African countries, including Nigeria and Cameroon, are also facing a surge in cases. The rapid spread of the virus, which can be deadly, is putting increasing pressure on already fragile health systems in these countries. WHO and national governments are working together to deploy response teams and distribute vaccines to areas most at risk.
According to the latest data from the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), the DRC has recorded 26,791 suspected cases, of which 5,613 have been confirmed, and 837 deaths related to MPOX since the beginning of the year. Faced with this situation, WHO and international partners, including the European Union, have stepped up their efforts to not only provide vaccines, but also to train health professionals in case management and epidemic surveillance.
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