Health officials in Congo are cautiously optimistic about the potential stabilization of mpox cases, particularly in the hard-hit region of Kamituga. Weekly case numbers have declined from a peak of nearly 400 in July to around 200-300 in recent weeks.
However, experts caution that this is not a definitive end to the outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges that testing rates remain low, and the virus continues to spread in certain areas of Congo and other countries like Uganda.
A major concern is the limited vaccine supply in Congo. Despite receiving 265,000 doses, only an estimated 50,000 people have been vaccinated. This shortfall, coupled with challenges in vaccine distribution, hinders efforts to contain the outbreak.
Scientists emphasize the urgent need for a broader vaccination campaign across Africa to prevent further mutations of the virus. They warn that a missed opportunity could lead to another significant outbreak.
So far, Africa has recorded approximately 43,000 suspected mpox cases, resulting in over 1,000 deaths, primarily in Congo. Experts draw parallels to the 2017 Nigeria outbreak, which eventually escalated into the 2022 global mpox epidemic.
Despite the challenges, the decline in cases in Kamituga offers a window of opportunity to intensify vaccination, surveillance, and education efforts. Health workers are actively reaching out to vulnerable populations, including sex workers, to raise awareness and administer vaccines.
However, the supply of vaccines remains a critical issue. WHO estimates that Congo requires at least 3 million doses to halt the virus, with an additional 7 million needed for the rest of Africa. While some progress has been made in vaccine allocation, the current supply falls significantly short of the required amount.
Experts stress the importance of a comprehensive public health approach to address the mpox outbreak, including increased vaccine availability and equitable distribution. They caution against relying solely on charitable donations and advocate for a more robust, coordinated effort to protect populations at risk.