DRC President Unveils $10 Million Emergency Funding to Combat Mpox Outbreak

In response to the escalating mpox crisis, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has authorized an initial disbursement of $10 million (€9 million) to support efforts to contain the outbreak. The DRC has been at the epicenter of the latest resurgence, with over 14,000 suspected cases reported across 23 provinces since January.

Photo credit: Ajazeera

The outbreak has spread beyond the typical central and northwestern regions, with confirmed cases now emerging in South and North Kivu. These provinces are already grappling with the challenges of hosting nearly a million displaced individuals in overcrowded conditions due to the ongoing insurgency.

Photo credit: BusinessdayNg

A genetic mutation of the virus has enabled uninterrupted human-to-human transmission for months, fueling concerns about a potential surge in cases. The rapid spread of mpox in Africa has prompted the World Health Organization to declare the situation a global emergency.

The emergency funding aims to bolster the DRC's response to the outbreak, but the situation remains dire, and continued support is crucial to preventing further escalation.