Monkeypox knows no borders. Africa needs your help

The WHO and other international organizations are working to improve the availability of mpox vaccines, especially in affected regions of Africa. Spain has donated 20% of its mpox vaccines to African countries, demonstrating its commitment to global health. In addition, surveillance, diagnostic and risk communication measures are being implemented to stop the transmission of the virus.

It is essential that the international community continues to collaborate to address the spread of mpox, guaranteeing equitable access to vaccines and treatments, and strengthening health systems to respond effectively to future outbreaks.

Coopera ONGD has been actively involved in the fight against mpox (monkeypox) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Since September 2023, a new variant of the virus, called clade Ib, has been identified in the mining town of Kamituga. By January 2024, the cases had spread to the capital of South Kivu, Bukavu, and in May 2024, the virus was diagnosed in the Miti Murhesa health zone, a rural region of Kahuzi Biega National Park with more than 200,000 inhabitants.

In response to this health emergency, Coopera ONGD has implemented an emergency aid campaign in collaboration with local and international partners. The actions taken include:

• Support for Karanda Hospital in Kavumu: This center was designated exclusively for the treatment of mpox. However, it faced precarious conditions, such as inadequate tents, lack of drinking water, electricity, and basic sanitation. Coopera ONGD has worked to improve these conditions and provide adequate medical care to patients.
• Care for the affected children: Of the 604 patients treated in the hospital, 27% were children under 12 months of age and 70% were under 15 years of age. Unfortunately, 9 children had already died due to overcrowding and lack of basic medical care. Coopera ONGD has focused its efforts on improving the care and conditions of these vulnerable patients.
• Collaboration with the Center for Research in Natural Sciences (CRSN) in Lwiro: This center, founded in 1947, is dedicated to research in various disciplines and has been fundamental in the study of emerging diseases such as mpox. Coopera ONGD has worked together with the CRSN to address the health crisis. Partnerships with other organizations: Collaboration has taken place with the Primate Rehabilitation Center in Lwiro (CRPL), the One Health Conservation Initiative (OHCI), the iO Foundation and the Foundation for International Cooperation (FCI).

Through these actions, Coopera ONGD reaffirms its commitment to the health and well-being of the communities affected by Mpox in the DRC, working tirelessly to mitigate the effects of this epidemic and prevent its spread.