The mpox outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is worsening as ongoing conflict disrupts healthcare services. Six weeks after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured two key cities, medical facilities are struggling to function.
The DRC has the highest number of mpox cases globally. The outbreak’s epicenter is in the east, where clashes have forced more than 600 patients to flee hospitals, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Last week, cases surged by 31/percent, bringing the total to nearly 16,255. Many patients remain missing, raising fears of further spread. Recently delivered vaccines are running out, as supply routes into combat zones remain blocked. Several hospitals have also been attacked, making the crisis worse.
“The situation is very difficult. Insecurity has disrupted everything,” said Dr. Serge Munyahu Cikuru, a medical officer in South Kivu province. He warned that tracking infected individuals is now a major challenge. Health workers are also struggling with limited medical supplies.
Authorities are now in talks to secure a temporary ceasefire. The goal is to create a humanitarian corridor for the safe delivery of medical aid.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Clade 1b strain of mpox is spreading globally. The virus spreads through close contact and causes fever, muscle aches, and painful skin lesions. While often mild, severe cases can be fatal.
Eastern DRC is also battling cholera and measles outbreaks. With continued violence and a collapsing healthcare system, experts fear the crisis could worsen in the coming weeks.