Reduction of Measles-Affected Provinces and Mortality Rate Decline in DRC 2022-2024
The Minister of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Welfare, Samuel-Roger Kamba, provided an update on the epidemiological situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo during an extraordinary cabinet meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
Improvement in Measles and Mpox Cases
He highlighted a significant improvement in the fight against Mpox, with the number of suspected cases increasing from about 14,956 in 2023 to 64,173 in 2024. The mortality rate also decreased from 4.5% in 2022 to 2.1% in 2024. The biological confirmation rate improved by 9% in 2024. The vaccination strategy, including the use of MVA-BN (Jynnéos) and LC16 vaccines, played a crucial role in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.
Compared to 2023, the number of measles cases significantly decreased in 2024, from over 8,000 to less than 1,500 cases reported. The mortality rate remained below 1%, and the number of provinces affected decreased from 26 to 9. These positive results were achieved through vaccination strategies and government efforts to mitigate the negative impact of the epidemic.
Current Situation in Kwango Province
In the Panzi Health Zone in the Kwango province, a total of 2,774 flu cases, including 77 deaths, were recorded by the second epidemiological week of 2025. The mortality rate stood at 2.8%, with 54 community deaths. Out of the 33 Health Areas in the Zone, 30 are currently affected by the flu outbreak.
Government’s Commitment to Public Health
The Minister also discussed the situation regarding polio and efforts to prevent and combat violence against children. Public health, particularly in relation to epidemics, is a top priority in the government’s action plan led by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka. Earlier in the year, President Félix Tshisekedi oversaw the official handover of laboratory reagents and equipment to bolster the fight against Mpox at the National Institute for Biomedical Research. This donation, provided by Africa CDC, complements the new vehicles recently made available by the Congolese government.
Clément MUAMBA
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