Medical staff in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are urgently calling for the rapid arrival of mpox vaccines as they struggle with a rise in infections, particularly among infants. Despite the recent delivery of 200,000 vaccines to Kinshasa, distribution to affected areas like South Kivu has been delayed due to logistical issues and could take weeks.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has claimed over 635 lives in the DRC this year. Healthcare workers in South Kivu report an influx of patients, with shortages in essential medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) at local treatment centers.
Nurse Emmanuel Fikiri expressed fears of contracting the virus and transmitting it to his children, urging the government to prioritize vaccines for frontline workers. The delivery of vaccines to remote areas such as Kamituga and Lwiro is hampered by poor infrastructure and the need for cold storage.
Officials are contemplating using helicopters to facilitate transport, which would increase costs in an already economically strained country. The outbreak has overwhelmed hospitals, leading to overcrowded facilities with patients sharing beds or sleeping on the floor.
Dr. Pacifique Karanzo of Lwiro community hospital highlighted the severe shortage of resources, including clean water and PPE, as they care for nearly 200 patients—mostly children—compared to the usual 80. The ongoing conflict with armed groups, including M23 rebels, complicates vaccination efforts further.
Despite these challenges, local officials, including South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, remain hopeful that rebel groups will not hinder vaccine distribution. Authorities plan to begin vaccinations for children and those in close contact with infected patients in October. While there is optimism about controlling the outbreak, healthcare workers continue to face significant challenges without immediate access to vaccines and adequate supplies.
