Inside a tent originally built to house cholera patients, hundreds of individuals infected with Mpox are now being treated in dire conditions. Doctors and nurses at Kavumu Hospital in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are working tirelessly to contain the virus’s spread and limit the chain of transmission.
The situation is urgent: the center has already recorded 800 Mpox cases and eight deaths, all of whom were children between the ages of 0 and 5, according to Dr. Musole Mulambamumba Robert, the Medical Director.
On average, the facility receives 20 patients per day, but the space allocated for treatment is already filled to capacity. With no other options, some patients are being treated on the floor. Dr. Robert describes the situation as desperate, underscoring that vaccination is the only viable way to combat the outbreak effectively. “We have already recorded eight deaths among the 800 cases we have at the hospital. We believe that once the vaccine is distributed, it can help stop the spread of this epidemic,” he said.
South Kivu Province has become the epicenter of the Mpox outbreak in the DRC. Out of the 34 health zones in the province, 29 are already affected. The situation is compounded by limited resources, which have restricted intervention efforts to just 10 zones, even as the number of cases continues to rise. Nearly 5,000 cases have been reported, resulting in 31 deaths across the province.
The health crisis in South Kivu has placed a significant burden on healthcare providers, as well as the local population. Many residents have shared their struggles in dealing with the disease. Chanceline Cidoro, a Mpox patient, described her ordeal: “Since I contracted this disease, it’s started to heal, and I feel a little better. I couldn’t eat before, but since I started taking the medication, I feel cured in my throat. Now, only the lesions on my legs remain.”
There is widespread concern that Mpox could continue to spread due to a lack of public adherence to preventive measures. The virus can be transmitted through close physical contact, including sexual relations, and by touching contaminated surfaces. However, the public’s reluctance to follow guidelines such as regular handwashing and avoiding physical contact is aggravating the situation.
To mitigate the spread, the first shipment of medicines donated by the World Bank has arrived in Bukavu, the provincial capital. These drugs will support treatment efforts in all affected health zones across South Kivu. During the ceremony for receiving these medical supplies at the Karhale Regional Distribution Center, Vice-Governor Jean-Jacques Elakano emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts in tackling the epidemic. Alongside health sector partners, including the World Bank, he noted that this donation marks a crucial step in the collective response to the outbreak.
Vice-Governor Elakano took the opportunity to urge the public to adopt essential preventive measures to curb the spread of Mpox. “I urge you to follow preventive guidelines: avoid close physical contact, wash your hands regularly with soap, or use hand sanitizer. Above all, ensure food is prepared and cooked thoroughly,” he said.
Despite these appeals, public compliance remains low. Many residents continue to disregard safety protocols, which could lead to further transmission of the virus. Public health officials have stressed the importance of community engagement and education to improve compliance with preventive measures.
The response to the Mpox outbreak in South Kivu faces numerous challenges, from limited medical supplies to inadequate healthcare infrastructure. The tent used to treat patients was initially set up to house cholera patients, highlighting the lack of proper facilities for handling this new crisis. With more than 5,000 cases already reported, and the number continuing to rise, healthcare workers are overwhelmed and resources are stretched thin.
Stakeholders, including local health authorities, international organizations, and non-governmental partners, have pledged to coordinate their efforts and use the available medications wisely, aiming to treat over 80% of the current patient load. However, the success of these efforts will depend on continued support, additional funding, and public cooperation.
While the situation remains critical, there is hope that the distribution of vaccines can help stop the spread of Mpox. Dr. Musole Mulambamumba Robert emphasized that vaccination is the most effective strategy to contain the outbreak. The international community’s support, particularly from organizations like the World Bank, plays a crucial role in providing the resources needed to manage the crisis.
However, even with vaccines, the road to recovery is long. Mpox is a complex virus that requires not only medical intervention but also community engagement and education. Public health officials are urging residents to take the outbreak seriously and adhere to guidelines that can protect them and their loved ones.
As South Kivu continues to grapple with the Mpox outbreak, the focus remains on expanding treatment options, ensuring access to vaccines, and promoting preventive measures. The provincial government, healthcare providers, and international partners are all working together to address the urgent needs of those affected and to prevent the further spread of the virus.
While the situation is challenging, the coordinated response effort offers a glimmer of hope. With continued support and public cooperation, there is potential to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of life. As the community rallies together, the story of South Kivu serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination needed to confront public health crises in even the most difficult circumstances.
