WHO Delivers Medical Supplies to DRC Amid Mpox Outbreak

By: Modupe Adeniyi. Freelance Health Reporter.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2024. In a significant move to combat the ongoing mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the World Health Organization (WHO) has delivered its largest air cargo shipment of medical supplies to the African region this year. On September 20, 2024, a whopping 33.5 metric tonnes of emergency medical supplies and equipment arrived in Kinshasa, marking a crucial step in reinforcing the country's outbreak response efforts.

This recent delivery follows an initial shipment of over 14 metric tonnes of emergency supplies just two weeks prior. Together, these shipments are expected to bolster infection prevention, control and clinical care measures in the DRC for the next three months. The supplies will not only support the mpox outbreak response but also aid in treating other medical conditions across various health facilities.

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the organization's commitment: "We're intensifying our support to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in all critical areas of the mpox outbreak response, ensuring adequate testing, prevention and effective clinical care to stop the spread of this virus."

The DRC currently accounts for about 90% of the more than 31,000 suspected mpox cases reported this year from 14 countries in the African region. The outbreak in the country is attributed to two distinct scenarios:

• The spread of mpox clade Ia in the western Equateur and other endemic provinces, including the capital Kinshasa.
• The spread of clade Ib in North and South Kivu provinces in the east, with a few cases in Kinshasa.

WHO’s Response

To tackle this health crisis, WHO is implementing a comprehensive strategy:

• Expanded Field Operations: Over 300 disease surveillance and outbreak response experts from WHO's polio response programme have been integrated into mpox outbreak control efforts.
• Community Engagement: WHO experts are collaborating with national health authorities and partners to raise awareness, promote preventive measures and encourage case reporting.
• Enhanced Diagnostic Capabilities: Eight laboratories across the country are being equipped with testing kits, reagents, and machines to decentralize testing. On September 19, 2024, WHO dispatched 3,500 GeneXpert cartridges to provincial laboratories.
• Vaccine Preparation: WHO is developing an mpox vaccine roadmap and supporting countries in creating national vaccine deployment plans targeting high-risk populations.

 Conclusion

As the DRC grapples with this significant health challenge, the international community's support, led by WHO, offers hope for controlling the outbreak. The massive influx of medical supplies and expertise demonstrates a strong commitment to global health security and the well-being of those affected by the mpox outbreak.

The coming months will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of these interventions and the potential for containing the spread of mpox in the DRC and beyond.

Source: World Health Organization Newsroom.

Published: SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

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