In the remote gold mining town of Kamituga, eastern Congo, a new strain of mpox is causing significant concern among health officials and residents alike. The outbreak, which began approximately one year ago, has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Divine Wisoba, a 21-year-old mother, recently lost her one-month-old daughter to mpox. Her story is just one of many tragic accounts emerging from this crisis. Wisoba's experience highlights the lack of information and resources available to combat the disease effectively.
"When she was born, it was as if God had answered our prayers — we wanted a girl. But our biggest joy was transformed into devastation."
The situation in South Kivu province, where Kamituga is located, has deteriorated rapidly. Health officials report that weekly suspected cases have increased from about 12 in January to 600 in August 2024. This surge is likely an underestimate due to limited access to rural areas and the transient nature of Kamituga's population.
Challenges in controlling the outbreak include:
- Insufficient information dissemination
- Lack of vaccines
- Limited access to remote areas
- Inadequate funding for community outreach programs
Dr. Dally Muamba, program coordinator for ALIMA, one of the few aid groups working on mpox in Kamituga, warns that without continued support, the epidemic could have severe economic consequences for the region.
The new mpox variant is particularly concerning due to its increased transmissibility and impact on vulnerable groups. Children and pregnant women are disproportionately affected, with nearly half of the 32 infected pregnant women since January experiencing miscarriages or stillbirths.
Health experts emphasize the urgent need for vaccines, even if initially limited to adults under emergency approval. However, logistical challenges in delivering vaccines to Kamituga persist due to poor road conditions.
As the outbreak continues, researchers are working to better understand the new strain and its transmission patterns. The lack of clear information makes it difficult for healthcare providers to advise patients on protective measures effectively.
With fear spreading alongside the new strain, local officials and community leaders are striving to educate residents about mpox prevention and symptoms. However, limited resources hinder their efforts to reach the entire population.
As the international community grapples with this evolving crisis, the people of Kamituga and surrounding areas remain hopeful for increased support and resources to combat the mpox outbreak effectively.