Outbreak of Monkeypox Cases in Nord-Kivu: Urgent Response Needed
An alarming outbreak of Monkeypox has swept through the province of Nord-Kivu, with over 100 cases reported since the beginning of the year. Prisca Luanda Kamala, the senior advisor to the military governor in charge of health matters, revealed that at least 138 positive cases of the Mpox epidemic have been recorded. The majority of these cases have been identified in displacement camps, where thousands of individuals have sought refuge from the violence perpetrated by the M23/RDF.
Urgent Call for Action
During a provincial response plan evaluation meeting on Friday, January 17, 2025, Kamala emphasized the need for immediate action to address the escalating crisis. “We have assessed recommendations, challenges, and proposed solutions. Currently, we have recorded a total of 1,284 cases since the epidemic began. As of the second week of 2025, we have 138 active cases, with the majority concentrated in displacement camps. It is crucial that we intensify our efforts to work within these camps to prevent our fellow citizens from succumbing to this disease,” she stated.
Preventive Measures and Government Response
The urgency of an effective response was underscored by Kamala, who stressed the importance of swift intervention to safeguard the lives of these vulnerable populations, already ravaged by the consequences of war. Notably, over 1,000 cases of Monkeypox have been documented in Nord-Kivu since the onset of the epidemic. In response, the provincial government is ensuring the continuity of response activities, including vaccinating contacts of confirmed cases and providing medical care to patients in the hardest-hit health zones, namely Karisimbi, Goma, and Nyiragongo.
The provincial government is urging the population to strictly adhere to barrier measures, such as regular handwashing. Monkeypox, a rare viral disease, primarily spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or their bodily fluids, as well as sexually. Symptoms include sudden high fever followed by skin rashes with fluid-filled lesions.
Community Mobilization and Preventive Measures
In light of this concerning situation, health authorities have implemented urgent prevention measures. It is strongly advised to avoid any physical or sexual contact with individuals showing signs of the disease, maintain regular hand hygiene, and promptly seek medical attention if symptoms manifest. Community mobilization and adherence to health guidelines are pivotal in curbing this epidemic and safeguarding the most vulnerable populations.
Josué Mutanava, reporting from Goma
In a personal touch, imagine being a resident of one of these displacement camps, surrounded by uncertainty and fear. The outbreak of Monkeypox not only threatens your health but also exacerbates the challenges you already face as a displaced individual. The plea for urgent action from health authorities resonates deeply with you, highlighting the importance of community support and adherence to preventive measures to protect lives in the midst of adversity.