According to UNHCR, 42 suspected cases of mpox have been detected in South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the war-torn Central African country that is the epicentre of the outbreak.
There have been other suspected and confirmed cases among refugee populations in the Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
The number of cases increases
On August 14, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the rise in mpox cases a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), with most cases so far detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Recent WHO reports indicate that there are currently more than 18,000 suspected mpox cases and 615 confirmed deaths there and more than 220 recorded cases of the new mpox Clade 1b strain 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 aggravate an already impossible situation for a population devastated by decades of conflict.“This is a situation of extreme need, forced displacement, atrocious human rights abuses and a lack of international assistance,” UNHCR said.
'There is no room for isolation'
The refugee agency said members of displaced communities fleeing violence face a “tremendous challenge” in implementing MPOX prevention measures because they are housed in overcrowded shelters and have limited access to essential services and humanitarian assistance.
“Displaced families living in schools, churches and crowded tents in farmers' fields have There is no room for isolation when they develop symptoms. from the disease,” UNHCR said.
In addition, members of displaced communities in unstable areas in eastern DRC experience Difficulty accessing laboratories for mpox testing.
Agencies respond
WHO, UNHCR and partners, in coordination with national health authorities, have strengthened health system preparedness and response measures in refugee camps, including reinforcing handwashing stations in public spaces and transit centres.
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 scale of the outbreak has led to a shortage of community health workers who can meet the growing demand, UNHCR says.
The refugee agency stresses the importance of fully including refugees and displaced people in national preparedness and response efforts for this public health emergency, from monitoring to medical care.
“International solidarity is urgently needed to scale up health services, isolation centres, humanitarian shelters and access to soap and water for those forced to flee.“Peace is also desperately needed in conflict zones to ensure a sustainable response to stop the spread of the disease,” UNHCR said.
