By Ziyah News Reporter
Bukavu, South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo – Medical staff on the front lines of the escalating mpox outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are urgently calling for immediate delivery of vaccines to combat the highly contagious disease.
The situation is particularly dire at a treatment center in South Kivu province, where healthcare workers report a troubling uptick in new patients, including infants.
This year, mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has claimed at least 635 lives across the DRC, with daily admissions to local clinics highlighting the urgent needs for vaccines, medical supplies, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Recently, 200,000 vaccines donated by the European Commission arrived in the capital, Kinshasa; however, significant logistical challenges could delay their distribution for several weeks.
The vaccines must be transported to rural areas where the outbreak is rampant, including Kamituga, Kavumu, and Lwiro however these vaccines require precise temperature control below freezing to maintain their efficacy, complicating transportation efforts in a country that grapples with poor infrastructure and damaged roadways. Health officials are contemplating using helicopters for delivery, but this would significantly increase operational costs.
Reports from the clinic reveal that although healthcare workers are doing their best to care for the sick, limited support for staff and inadequate PPE significantly heighten their own risk.
“We’re trying to look after the sick without exposing ourselves,” Dr. Karanzo said, acknowledging the toll the outbreak has taken on both patients and providers.
The DRC continues to face enormous challenges in addressing the mpox outbreak as medical professionals work tirelessly to manage the surge in cases and navigate the pressing need for vaccines.
Without prompt action, the situation is poised to worsen in a region already beleaguered by health crises. – original copy @BBC NEWS