- M23 rebel control of Goma and Bukavu paralyzes disease surveillance systems
- 16,255 mpox cases reported with 31% weekly spike in active conflict zones
- Only 2 of 4 treatment centers operational in hardest-hit Miti Murhesa region
The Democratic Republic of Congo's mpox containment strategy faces unprecedented challenges as M23 militants expand territorial control. Medical facilities report stockouts of crucial tecovirimat antiviral medications, with vaccine distribution networks completely severed in South Kivu province. Dr. Serge Munyahu Cikuru confirms that 83% of diagnostic labs in conflict areas have suspended operations, creating dangerous surveillance gaps.
Regional health analysts note the current outbreak's CFR (case fatality rate) of 4.9% exceeds WHO projections, attributed to interrupted care pathways. Unlike the 2022 global mpox surge contained through rapid vaccination, Congo's crisis combines armed conflict with zoonotic transmission factors - 68% of recent cases trace to animal contacts according to unpublished Africa CDC data.
North Kivu's compromised health infrastructure now battles concurrent epidemics, with cholera incidence rising 22% month-over-month alongside mpox transmission. The collapse of cold chain systems has rendered 40,000 vaccine doses unusable since January, equivalent to 57% of the region's allocated supply.
Miti Murhesa's experience illustrates the crisis magnitude: 4,700 cases reported since December 2023, with 91% occurring in villages under militant control. Mobile health units attempting cross-line operations face 73% interception rates by armed groups, per Médecins Sans Frontières field reports.
Africa CDC's proposed humanitarian corridor faces logistical hurdles, requiring temporary ceasefire agreements with 4 separate militia factions. Digital surveillance workarounds show promise - health workers using encrypted SMS systems have documented 412 suspected cases since infrastructure attacks began.
