MITI MURHESA, Congo — In eastern Congo, the surge of Rwanda-supported rebel forces is posing significant challenges for hospitals that previously led efforts in combating the mpox outbreak. The intensifying conflict between the M23 rebel group and the national forces has severely hindered the health crisis response, as the region grapples with a worsening global mpox emergency.
The areas under rebel control have become increasingly isolated, making it difficult to track down displaced patients, as many vaccines are now inaccessible due to roadblocks in combat zones. Health establishments have also faced direct attacks. This precarious situation was highlighted during a visit to a key affected area now dominated by M23 forces, where health workers and the few remaining patients voiced their growing concerns.
“Insecurity has disrupted everything,” stated Dr. Serge Munyahu Cikuru, a leading medical officer in the Miti Murhesa health zone located in South Kivu province’s Kabare territory.
On top of the mpox crisis, the eastern region of Congo is simultaneously battling outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, measles, and other unidentified viral illnesses that have recently emerged in the northwest.
In recent weeks, the nation experienced a 31% rise in mpox cases, totaling 16,255 as reported by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite this increase, the reporting remains incomplete; only a fraction of the provinces submitted information, reflecting the impact of the security crisis.
While the surge in vaccinations is evident elsewhere, eastern Congo finds itself cut off. The Miti Murhesa treatment center, for instance, is quickly depleting its reserves. Patient Mubake Buroko Patrick expressed the complications in obtaining necessary medication following the clashes. “The war has complicated our access to medicines,” he observed.
Negotiations led by Africa CDC’s mpox incident manager, Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, have started to establish a humanitarian corridor, necessitating a pause in hostilities to ensure aid can reach affected zones.
Amidst the turmoil, nearly 600 mpox patients have escaped from various hospitals in eastern Congo, as reported by the Africa CDC. The Miti Murhesa health zone alone, severely impacted by the outbreak, accounted for 4,700 reported cases by the end of 2024.
Only half of the treatment centers in the zone remain operational, as conflict has compromised numerous facilities, noted Dr. Cikuru. With M23 extending its reach to cities such as Goma and Bukavu, and further into North and South Kivu provinces, patients are faced with the dire choice of evading rebel zones or remaining amid danger.
Efforts to trace displaced patients and prevent the spread of mpox have been complicated, with dwindling supplies pushing healthcare professionals to their limits, Dr. Cikuru warned. He expressed concern over a potential rise in cases and emphasized that although patient care continues, the scarcity of medicines presents a critical challenge.
