Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has raised a concerning alarm over the ongoing mpox outbreak in parts of Africa, specifically the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kaseya's caution comes despite a recent downturn in reported cases. Unfortunately, this decrease is not a sign of control over the virus but a reflection of severe setbacks in monitoring and reporting, driven by security and funding challenges.
The troubled regions of eastern DRC have become major centers of violence, affecting public health initiatives. Rebel groups have captured critical territories, obstructing health workers' access to areas in need. This unrest, coupled with a halt in U.S. foreign aid under President Trump, has severely hampered efforts to manage the outbreak.
The initial global response to the 2024 declaration of mpox as a public health emergency was robust, with international pledges surpassing a billion dollars. Yet, fighting in the region has led to the evacuation of isolation wards, spreading the virus further. Several health centers have been destroyed or looted, exacerbating the crisis.
U.S. foreign assistance, a lifeline to the DRC's public health infrastructure, has come to a standstill. Funds to facilitate vaccine distribution and diagnostic testing have been frozen, leaving the U.S. donated vaccines in limbo. This sudden withdrawal significantly affects the availability of resources critical for outbreak management.
Healthcare experts warn of the wider ramifications. Mpox isn't the only threat; DRC's healthcare system is battling multiple crises, from measles to rampant malnutrition. Without resuming financial and operational support, the implications could extend beyond the DRC, threatening global health stability.
Efforts to restart U.S. aid for mpox response are fraught with bureaucratic hurdles and remain largely stagnant. Despite a reported waiver for emergency activities, the necessary financial inflows and logistical support are yet to occur. Public health professionals express fears of a cascading decline in health security, both locally and internationally.
