KANYARUTSHINYA CAMP, Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) – Justine Munguiko couldn’t recall the disease’s name but knew her baby Fidele had painful sores. These sores resembled those of other children at the displacement camp near Goma. Moreover, the Mpox Central Africa crisis highlights the urgent need for international support. #MpoxCentralAfricaCrisis
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the epicenter of an mpox outbreak, which the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency. Communities like Munguiko’s face significant exposure and urgently need support. The situation highlights the critical need for immediate and comprehensive aid.
She and other mothers at the camp chose to treat their children traditionally for fevers and rashes. They used boiled salty water and rubbed their skin with Kitamatama plant leaves.
“This disease of skin lesions, comes from I don’t know where… We’ve been told it comes after eating bushmeat, but neither I nor my child have eaten bushmeat,” the 24-year-old said, after trying to soothe her crying baby, who still had crusty sores on his wrists and feet.
As the international community struggles to source enough vaccines, Munguiko’s experience underscores the need for better resources and education. This is crucial to protect vulnerable populations from a viral infection that, though usually mild, can be deadly.
Communicating with people about what they should do is critical, said Ebere Okereke, associate fellow at Chatham House’s Global Health Programme. #MpoxCentralAfricaCrisis
Finally, addressing the Mpox Central Africa crisis requires a coordinated effort. Both local and global stakeholders must collaborate to implement effective prevention measures. Only through collective action can the situation improve and protect the most vulnerable individuals.
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