UNICEF intensifies efforts to combat Mpox crisis among children in DRC

DRC—UNICEF has increased its support for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in response to the rising mpox crisis, which has impacted children under the age of 15, accounting for around 60% of suspected cases and 80% of deaths this year.

Between the beginning of the year and August 31, 2024, the DRC recorded over 21,000 suspected mpox cases, with more than 5,000 confirmed and about 700 deaths.

 In response to this serious situation, UNICEF received its first mpox vaccine shipment of 215,000 doses, with other shipments due in the coming weeks to increase the vaccination campaign even more.

UNICEF facilitates vaccine distribution and supports the rollout with essential supplies and logistics.

The organisation is actively training health workers in vaccine transportation, storage, and administration to ensure that vaccines reach those in need effectively.

UNICEF, in collaboration with the DRC government, WHO, and the Africa CDC, is spearheading initiatives in infection prevention and control, risk communication, community participation, nutrition, mental health assistance, and operational research.

UNICEF has recently upgraded its community-based monitoring systems by educating over 200 health workers, 100 hygienists, and 200 community engagement teams.

In addition, 6,000 community volunteers have been dispatched to promote awareness of mpox, and more than 30 local radio stations have broadcast crucial public health messages.

In addition, UNICEF has developed mpox treatment and isolation units at busy health centres such as Kavumu and Lwiro in the Miti Murhesa health zone, providing free treatment in facilities with capacities ranging from 20 to 30 beds.

More than 30 medical kits have been delivered to health zones such as Kavumu, Lwiro, Kamanyola, Uvira, Miti Murhesa General Hospital, and Bukavu Central Prison.

These interventions treated nearly 1,500 patients between May and August 2024, more than 70% of whom were children under the age of fifteen.

Community engagement teams in the DRC have touched 46 million people using mass media, face-to-face contacts, and digital means.

UNICEF’s response focusses on 12 of the DRC’s 26 provinces, with five designated as extremely high priority.

 To handle the situation successfully, UNICEF needs US$35 million over the next six months to help 2.28 million people, including 1.32 million children. Currently, there is a financing gap of 79%.

More than 25 million people in the DRC require humanitarian aid, with over 15 million being children.

The eastern part of the country alone has 7 million displaced people, making the Democratic Republic of the Congo one of the world’s greatest displacement disasters.

Dr. Mariame Sylla, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, emphasised the significance of their reaction in South Kivu.

She told a moving story about a mother who received prompt, free treatment for her 6-month-old daughter, Merci, who had contracted the virus.

Dr. Sylla emphasised the importance of intensifying efforts to ensure that all children receive life-saving care. She also emphasised that many people afflicted by the mpox pandemic are already suffering from violent violence, displacement, and other illness outbreaks.

Dr. Sylla ended by emphasising that the mpox response must address existing humanitarian needs while also improving ongoing efforts.

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