The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) warned on Tuesday that the mpox outbreak could have devastating effects on refugees and displaced families in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other affected African countries if urgent help is not provided.
According to UNHCR, 42 suspected cases of mpox have been detected in South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the war-torn Central African country that is the epicentre of the outbreak. There have also been other cases Suspected and confirmed cases among refugee populations in that nation and Rwanda.
Cases are increasing
On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the increase in mpox cases constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, and that Most cases have so far been detected in Congolese territory.
Recent WHO reports indicate that there are currently more than 18,000 suspected cases and 615 confirmed mpox deaths there, and More than 220 cases of the new mpox Clade 1b strain have been recorded in neighbouring countries.
UNHCR said there were also suspected cases in “conflict-affected provinces” hosting the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 7.3 million internally displaced people.
“In these areas, the virus threatens to worsen an already impossible situation for a population devastated by decades of conflict, forced displacement, terrible human rights violations and lack of international aid,” warned UNHCR.
Difficulty in isolation
The agency said members of displaced communities fleeing violence face a “tremendous challenge” in implementing mpox prevention measures because They are in overcrowded shelters and have limited access to essential services and humanitarian assistance..
“Displaced families living in crowded schools, churches and tents in farmers’ fields have no space to isolate themselves when they develop symptoms of the disease,” UNHCR said.
In addition, members of displaced communities in unstable areas of eastern Congo have difficulty accessing laboratories where MPOX tests are carried out.
Response of the organizations
WHO, UNHCR and partners, in coordination with national health authorities, have strengthened health system preparedness and response measures in refugee camps, including strengthening handwashing stations in public spaces and transit centres.
In places where cases have been confirmed or suspected, nationwide initiatives are being undertaken to raise awareness and provide accurate information in the languages spoken by displaced groups.
However, The magnitude of the outbreak has led to a shortage of community health workers that can meet the growing demand, UNHCR said.
The Agency stressed the importance of fully including refugees and displaced people in national preparedness and response efforts to this public health emergency, from surveillance to medical care.
“International solidarity is urgently needed to scale up health services, isolation centres, humanitarian shelters and access to soap and water for people forced to flee,” UNHCR said.
“Peace is desperately needed in conflict zones to ensure a sustainable response to stop the spread of the disease,” he said.
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