Health: Strengthening the national response against MPOX and cholera

It was noted, with regard to the epidemic of MPOX, a drop in experienced cases due to the maintenance of vigilance. It appears that 529 suspicious cases have been invested for a cumulative 90,994 cases since 1/2024 week. 135 cases were confirmed this week, with a combination of 26,613 confirmed cases. While 603,338 people were vaccinated. A gradual migration of cases is observed, passing from young children to older children, both in endemic areas and in the East provinces, especially the Kivu.

Regarding the vaccination against MPOX, preparations are underway for a targeted vaccination in five health zones, namely Selembao, Kalamu 1, Masina 2, Befale and Basankusu. Three critical focus was identified with a positivity rate greater than 50 % in the South-Ubangi, Sankuru and South Kivu provinces. If MPOX is experiencing a downward trend in experienced cases, this is not the case with cholera. The field data reports a significant increase in cases. Which led to the intensification of the response. 2,085 cases of cholera were notified, against 1,757 cases in SE 26, an increase of almost 19 %. 95 deaths were reported during the week. And 83 stool samples were taken and analyzed, including 35 positive (positivity rate: 42 %). The death of three healthcare providers were also reported. While the Mama Koko orphanage (Casa pavilion), 60 children presented neurological damage, with 16 recorded deaths. To cut the transmission of this disease, vaccination activities are underway in 11 health zones distributed in 4 provinces, namely Tanganyika, Maniema, Haut-Katanga and Tshopo.