The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is witnessing a significant reduction in new mpox cases following the recent rollout of vaccinations in its eastern regions. Health officials at Lwiro Clinic, the epicenter of the outbreak, report fewer daily cases, dropping from 10–15 to just two or three.
The vaccination campaign, which began in October with 265,000 donated doses, has reached over 50,000 people in high-risk communities. This initiative has brought relief to overwhelmed medical facilities that previously struggled with overcrowded wards and limited resources.
Despite these promising developments, health experts caution against complacency. Mpox, a highly contagious disease, has caused significant fatalities in DR Congo, with children disproportionately affected. Approximately 30% of cases involve children, many of whom are not yet eligible for vaccination. Efforts are underway to introduce a vaccine suitable for younger age groups.
While the decline in infections is encouraging, officials emphasize the need for sustained vigilance. Medics note that mpox remains a global health emergency, with continued spread reported in other African countries and beyond. The focus remains on expanding vaccinations, strengthening surveillance, and improving healthcare infrastructure to combat the outbreak effectively.
Although DR Congo shows signs of progress, experts warn the outbreak is far from over, highlighting the urgency of coordinated efforts to ensure long-term containment.
