The ongoing Mpox outbreak, which has been declared a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization, is significantly impacting children in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. This year, nearly all reported cases and over 450 fatalities have been linked to this region.
Alain Matabaro, a father, described how his six-year-old son Amani initially had a small, irritated spot that rapidly developed into multiple lesions after being squeezed. Fortunately, after four days of treatment at a clinic in Munigi, close to Goma, Amani began to recover.
According to Dr. Pierre-Olivier Ngadjole of the charity Medair, around 75% of the cases being treated at the Munigi clinic involve children under the age of ten. The outbreak appears particularly severe among younger individuals due to their developing immune systems.
Dr. Ngadjole pointed to overcrowding in camps set up for those displaced by local violence as a contributing factor. Children in these camps often play closely together, frequently ignoring social distancing guidelines. He noted that it is common for multiple children to share beds, increasing the risk of transmission.
Since June, the Munigi clinic has treated 310 cases of Mpox, providing free care such as paracetamol, safe drinking water, and medications for skin infections. The clinic continues to admit five to ten new patients daily, with no recorded deaths attributed to the illness, which Dr. Ngadjole attributes to early treatment access.
Dr. Ngadjole emphasized the importance of free health services in these critical situations, stating that it encourages individuals to seek medical help without financial concerns.
In contrast, the Kavumu hospital, located 80 kilometers southwest of Munigi, has faced a different scenario. Since June, the hospital has treated 800 patients under five years of age, with eight fatalities recorded.
Ansima Kanigo, a two-year-old, caught Mpox from one of her four siblings who were also infected. Her mother, Nzigire Kanigo, initially confused it with measles, but after unsuccessful home treatments, they sought medical help.
Dr. Robert Musole, the medical director of the Kavumu hospital, stressed the seriousness of the outbreak. He noted that their medical facility is overwhelmed and struggles with both patient capacity and a lack of medication.
The region is home to millions displaced by various rebel groups, often living in cramped, unsanitary conditions, creating a perfect environment for the spread of Mpox.