The World Health Organization (WHO) has partially resumed mpox vaccinations in Goma, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has been severely affected by attacks from M23 rebels and ongoing clashes with the Congolese military. WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that vaccinations began on Wednesday, but highlighted that the overall response is being significantly hampered by the violence in the region.
Tedros stated that many patients are fleeing treatment centers due to safety concerns, raising the risk of further transmission. Health facilities have been forced to close, and some have been looted amid the violence. So far, around 3,000 people have been injured, and 800 have died as a result of the conflict.
The WHO has dispatched emergency supplies, including IV fluids, anesthetics, and antibiotics, to assist 320,000 patients, along with treatment for 10,000 people suffering from cholera. However, Tedros warned that supplies are running low and emphasized the urgency of bringing in more aid.
The WHO chief also called on all parties involved in the conflict to ensure that health and humanitarian workers can safely access those in need, and that patients and healthcare facilities are protected.