Democratic Republic of Congo News

Improving mpox diagnosis in DRC amidst the outbreak

Bukavu - The index case of mpox was reported in September 2023 in Kamituga, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Since then, the outbreak has spread to 32 out of the 34 health zones in South Kivu. Between 1 January and 9 December 2024, World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed 14, 572 mpox cases across 19 countries in the African Region, with 11,984 cases in the DRC alone. 

Protecting at-risk populations from mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the hardest hit country in the African region by mpox outbreak, accounting for about 80% of laboratory-confirmed cases and deaths reported across the continent this year. While mpox is primarily transmitted through close physical contact, it can affect anyone. Vulnerable populations are at a heightened risk of infection and severe illness.

Decentralizing testing for rapid mpox detection in the Democratic Republic of the Co...

Kinshasa – To ensure adequate and prompt detection of mpox cases, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is decentralizing laboratory services and accelerating efforts to curb the disease through close coordination with support from partners, including World Health Organization (WHO), who are providing critical diagnostic equipment and supplies to bolster the outbreak response.