International emergency declared due to increase in mpox cases
(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries working and living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo* are responding to two emergencies. They have been providing aid and support for people who have been impacted by the ongoing violence in the country. Now, Salesians are faced with growing cases of mpox.
On Aug. 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an international emergency due to the increase in cases of mpox. In 2024, there have been more than 15,000 cases, and more than 500 people have died from this disease in Africa, most of them in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The scientific community warns that the increase is worrying, especially due to the high number of infections among children. According to WHO data, more than 10,000 children up to the age of 15 have been infected in 2024, and 39% of those infected are children under the age of 5.
The mpox epidemic represents a great risk for the country. A Salesian missionary working with displaced people in Goma explained, “Those who are displaced and living in the Don Bosco Ngangi camp are exposed to this new mpox epidemic. They live in overcrowded conditions and the hygienic conditions are not adequate. Our doctors warn that these are people with an already very weak immune system and that an epidemic could have really dangerous effects.”
Four cases of the infection have already occurred where the Don Bosco Ngangi Center, which oversees the camp, is located. The Salesian noted, “Practices similar to those implemented to combat COVID-19 must be put in place everywhere to avoid contagion. The epidemic emergency has already been declared, but many people are not yet aware of it and lead their daily lives normally. Awareness and prevention work are needed.”
Salesian missionaries manage 33 centers in 14 cities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With a focus on education, they operate primary and secondary schools, vocational training centers, kindergartens for the youngest, and care and recovery centers for children living on the streets and girls in vulnerable situations. Salesians also work with displaced populations and in areas where people live in extreme poverty.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo
UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo
*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in these countries were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.