Our project sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been grappling with the severe impact of an outbreak of Monkeypox (mpox). Tragically, the majority of those affected are children.

Recognizing a pattern of rapid escalation, our project coordinators identified the situation as a critical issue in early August. In response, Medicines for Humanity (MFH) collaborated with local Community Health Workers to implement a plan aimed at identifying, treating, and slowing the spread of mpox.  Kenneth Muko, MFH Program Director, shared, “We have been at the forefront of the epidemic and we have been able to respond efficiently and effectively, even prior to the World Health Organization declaring it an emergency.”

The mpox virus spreads easily through direct contact or respiratory droplets and has a fatality rate of up to 10%. In places like the DRC, where medical resources are scarce and diagnosis is often delayed, the impact can be even more severe. Outbreaks overwhelm health systems, leading to critical shortages of supplies and personnel.

Our clinics in the DRC serve over 136,000 people. In this region, child malnutrition is at alarming levels, with nearly half of the country’s children malnourished. Without adequate nutrition, these children not only face a higher risk of contracting diseases like mpox, but also a higher risk of dying. Our project sites prioritize improving food security by providing nutritional supplements and promoting long term sustainable change.

Although addressing malnutrition is a crucial step in protecting these vulnerable children and giving them more power to fight illness, additional interventions are needed. Immunizations and antiviral medications are both tools that can be used to control mpox outbreaks. However, the availability of immunization doses is extremely limited, hindering access to the communities who need them most. Strengthened health care infrastructure is vital to reduce the impact of mpox on vulnerable populations globally, including the communities we serve in the DRC. We continue to advocate for additional immunization production and access to mitigate the spread of the virus.