Mpox Patients Flee in Chaos Amid DR Congo Conflict

As fighting escalates in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, more than 500 mpox patients have fled clinics, sparking fears of a new outbreak of the contagious disease. The Africa CDC calls for a ceasefire to ensure proper healthcare delivery.

In a disheartening turn of events, over 500 patients suffering from mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) have abandoned their treatment centers in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo due to violent clashes instigated by the M23 rebel group. This escalation of conflict has left health officials in alarm, as they fear the outbreak risks spiraling out of control.

According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), there were nearly 2,890 reported cases of mpox and 180 fatalities in DR Congo since the beginning of this year. The deeply concerning situation has already claimed nearly 900 lives in previous outbreaks. Health facilities in Goma and Bukavu have felt the brunt of the chaos; patients reportedly escaped from these clinics amidst rampant looting. Dr. Samuel Muhindo, overseeing a clinic in Goma, described a catastrophic scene where vital medical equipment was lost, describing the incident as disastrous.

Dr. Muhindo noted that 128 patients fled from the Mugunga health center in Goma as fighting intensified in late January. The clinic’s personnel struggled to account for those missing due to extensive paperwork destruction from looting. At Bisengimana hospital in Goma, thieves seized important supplies, resulting in untold disarray. Incidents of arson outside these centers have only exacerbated the dire situation.

As the M23 rebel group instructs the closure of refugee camps, displaced citizens are forced to make difficult decisions regarding their safety. Dr. Muhindo expressed serious concerns about possible surges in mpox infections in regions where displaced individuals have returned. Echoing these sentiments, Africa CDC's mpox incident manager, Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, called for immediate ceasefire actions and the establishment of humanitarian corridors for uninterrupted health interventions.

In a further worsening development, a new mpox variant exhibiting “high potential for higher transmissibility” has been identified in the region. The ongoing conflict not only inhibits healthcare response capacity but also strangles funding sources, complicating the already fragile situation. The Mugunga facility, backed by UNICEF and UK Aid Direct, has recently reopened but is ultimately unable to accommodate the influx of patients—a stark contrast to the facilities that have been entirely ravaged by looters.

Sadiki Bichichi Aristide, a 23-year-old patient now receiving treatment at Mugunga alongside two children, shared his harrowing experience of fleeing the M23's advances and seeking refuge amidst the chaos. His condition worsened during his stay at a displaced persons camp.

Dr. Oummani Rouafi, a health specialist with UNICEF in Goma, remarked upon the tenuous situation surrounding the Mugunga hospital, acknowledging that the clinic’s recent reopening was made possible by staff members that strategically concealed medical supplies from wrongdoers. Unfortunately, many other facilities have faced total annihilation, jeopardizing care for those in desperate need.

As the situation unfolds, the eyes of the global community remain fixed on eastern DR Congo, emphasizing the importance of enhancing humanitarian response and safeguarding the health of its vulnerable population.